Congress is at a crucial juncture with only five days remaining before the December 20 government funding deadline. It is widely anticipated that a short-term continuing resolution (CR) will keep the government funded into March 2025. Alongside this, various other policies such as disaster relief, the extension of the Farm Bill, and a comprehensive healthcare package are likely to be attached to the CR. In the past week, the health committee staffs have been engaged in intense negotiations to determine the shape and scope of the healthcare package.

Unraveling the Healthcare Package in the 118th Congress

Government Funding Deadline and the CR

Congress is facing a tight schedule as it strives to complete the remaining business within the given timeframe. The 72-hour rule requires leadership to release the text of the CR by Monday evening, allowing members sufficient time to review and vote on it. This presents a significant challenge as bipartisan agreement is essential for the CR to be passed through suspension, requiring a two-thirds majority. The House is expected to vote on Thursday, followed by the Senate on Friday.

With the government funding deadline approaching, the CR becomes a crucial instrument in ensuring the smooth functioning of the government. It provides a temporary solution while negotiations on longer-term policies continue. The inclusion of other policies within the CR adds another layer of complexity and requires careful coordination among different committees and leadership.

Healthcare Package Negotiations and Potential Contents

Over the weekend, it became evident that the healthcare package was likely to be more extensive than initially anticipated. While the initial focus was on extending expiring health provisions, the additional time created by debates on non-healthcare provisions allowed healthcare committees to work towards a more significant package. However, the final decisions regarding the inclusion of specific policies lie in the hands of leadership.

At present, it appears that extenders will be extended for at least one year, and in some cases, potentially for two or more years. Alongside this, other policies such as Medicare Advantage prior authorization reform, pharmacy benefit manager reforms, and a limited Medicare site-neutral payment policy are being considered for inclusion in the package. These policies have the potential to bring significant changes to the healthcare landscape and impact the lives of millions of Americans.

Impact on Health Policy in 2025

The inclusion of a healthcare package in the CR has significant implications for health policy in 2025. As Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo in this week's Healthcare Preview, they will discuss the potential implications and the path forward. The decisions made during this period will shape the healthcare landscape for the coming year and beyond.

It is crucial for stakeholders to closely follow these developments and understand the potential impacts on their respective sectors. The healthcare package could bring about changes in reimbursement rates, coverage policies, and access to care. By staying informed, stakeholders can better prepare for the future and advocate for their interests.