McDermott+Consulting: Recent Episodes
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In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to preview the last week the Senate is in session before August recess officially begins.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Rodney Whitlock and Debbie Curtis join Erin Fuller to discuss Congress' continued focus on healthcare transparency, including recent activity in the Senate HELP and House Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means committees, prospects for lame duck action, and what stakeholders should be watching as lawmakers continue working through competing transparency proposals.
This week in the Breakroom, Jeffrey Davis and special guest Brandy Keys, Director of Health Policy at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, join Maddie News to break down key proposals in the 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and discuss the legislative landscape on physician payment. For more on the proposed rule, read last week's Regs & Eggs.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss recent and upcoming congressional committee action on healthcare transparency legislation and what it could mean for an end of year package.
This week in the Breakroom, Emily Cook, partner at McDermott Will & Schulte, and Katie Waldo join Maddie to break down 340B drug program proposals included in the recently released Medicare outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) proposed rule for 2027, along with discussing prospects for 340B legislative proposals. Read more on the OPPS proposed rule here.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Rodney Whitlock and Debbie Curtis join Erin Fuller to discuss both chambers' return from recess and what to watch for this week; including potential House healthcare markups, Senate HELP Committee nomination hearings, and growing congressional and stakeholder scrutiny of OMB's proposed changes to federal grant rules.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss what's been heating up in Congress over the last few months and what's on the horizon for the rest of the year.
This week in the Breakroom, Amy Kelbick joins Maddie News to run through recent federal drug pricing updates including requests for information and proposed rules.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Rodney Whitlock and Debbie Curtis join Erin Fuller to discuss what to watch for during and after this week's Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversight Subcommittee hearing on Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse featuring state Medicaid directors as witnesses.
With Medicare Advantage now covering more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries, Lynn Nonnemaker and Yamini Kalidindi join Anthony Livshen to unpack MA encounter data – what it is, how complete it's become, and the growing role it's playing in CMS payment policy, quality measurement, and program oversight. The episode explores both current uses and the significant policy shifts that may lie ahead, from disproportionate share hospital payments to risk adjustment.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to preview what's on the healthcare agenda for the remainder of this year.
This week in the Breakroom, Jeff Davis and Lynn Nonnemaker join Erin Fuller for a deep dive into the findings from the Trustee's 2026 Medicare Report.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Rodney Whitlock and Debbie Curtis join Erin Fuller to discuss Congress' focus this week on reconciliation 2.0, FISA, and broader legislative efforts to crack down on fraud in federal programs, including healthcare.
This week in the Breakroom, Katie Waldo and Maddie News join Erin Fuller to unpack CMS' new interim final rule directing states to implement Medicaid work requirements by January 1, 2027.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the Medicaid work requirements interim final rule, anticipated for release today.
This week in the Breakroom, Debbie Curtis joins Maddie News to discuss the recently released Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters final rule for 2027, specifically discussing the finalized policies related to catastrophic and non-network plans, as well as additional rulemaking we're watching for in the coming weeks.
This week in the Breakroom, Rodney Whitlock joins Erin Fuller to discuss the growing focus from both Congress and CMS on fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid, including the recent Medicare enrollment moratoria for new hospice and home health providers, increased scrutiny of state Medicaid programs, and the broader policy and political implications of these oversight efforts.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to talk about healthcare legislation being discussed in the House and break down what Senate HELP Committee Chair Cassidy's primary loss means for healthcare policymaking moving forward.
This week in the Breakroom, Jeffrey Davis joins Maddie News to discuss recent Department of Education changes to student loan caps, and what the changes mean for medical education.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Rodney Whitlock and Debbie Curtis join Erin Fuller to unpack the discussions around reconciliation 2.0 in the Senate and the possibility of a reconciliation 3.0.
Rachel Stauffer and Lisa Mazur join Julia Grabo to discuss key takeaways from the 2026 Health Tech Investment Forum and what they are watching for next in the health tech space.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the recess week and looking ahead to upcoming elections.
This week in the Breakroom, Mike Ryan, Partner at McDermott Will and Schulte, and Parashar Patel join Erin Fuller to discuss the significance and implications of the new FDA and CMS Regulatory Alignment for Predictable and Immediate Device-(RAPID)- device coverage pathway.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss what their watching for as the House takes up reconciliation and hospital and health system CEOs testify in front of the House Ways and Means Committee.
This week in the Breakroom, Jeffrey Davis joins Maddie News to break down what led up to CMS's release of the prior authorization for drugs proposed rule and to discuss other prior authorization action from the Trump Administration.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Rodney Whitlock and Debbie Curtis join Erin Fuller to unpack the discussions around budget reconciliation in the Senate and Secretary Kennedy's marathon stretch of hearings on Capitol Hill.
Devin Stone, Marla Kugel, and Deb Godes join Julia Grabo to discuss policies in the fiscal year (FY) 2027 Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) proposed rule, including the proposed payment update, the nationalization of the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement model, and changes to the New Technology Add-on Payment program.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss reconciliation 2.0 and upcoming hearings with HHS Secretary Kennedy.
This week in the Breakroom, Jeff Davis joins Erin Fuller to discuss the policies and funding requests within the FY 2027 President's budget, including the returning request for restructuring within the US Department of Health and Human Services to create the Administration for Healthy America.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss their first reactions to the healthcare proposals in President Trump's FY 2027 budget request.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Erin Fuller to discuss Congress heading into recess amid the Department of Homeland Security funding impasse, and how that's fueling talk of "reconciliation 2.0."
This week in the Breakroom, Simeon Niles joins Julia Grabo to discuss CMS's Hospital at Home data release and how it aligns with broader themes from last week's Quality Conference.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Erin Fuller to discuss key takeaways from the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee's latest affordability hearing, and what CMS's approval of Minnesota's Medicaid fraud corrective action plan signals about the future of federal healthcare fraud oversight.
This week in the Breakroom, Jeffrey Davis and Lynn Nonnemaker join Erin Fuller for a deep dive into the recommendations and content from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission's (MedPAC) March report to Congress.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the upcoming busy week in Congress, including a House Energy and Commerce Oversight Subcommittee hearing on Medicare and Medicaid fraud and a Health Subcommittee hearing on affordability and providers.
This week in the Breakroom, Erica Stocker and Jeffrey Davis join Maddie News to discuss the ongoing process to fund the government for the upcoming fiscal year, and what influence the upcoming president's budget request may have on that process.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Erin Fuller to discuss the Trump administration's recent actions on combatting fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid, and what we are watching for on healthcare policy in Congress.
This week in the Breakroom, Deborah Godes, Marla Kugel, and Yamini Kalidindi join Anthony Livshen to explore the challenges of setting outpatient payment rates as CMS phases out the inpatient-only (IPO) list over three years beginning in 2026 — and to discuss a data-driven approach to getting it right. The episode opens with an update on the public Medicaid data discussed last week.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss how recent world events may affect ongoing congressional and administrative health policy work in 2026.
This week in the Breakroom, Anthony Livshen and Katie Waldo join Erin Fuller to discuss HHS's release of the largest public dataset of Medicaid provider spending data in department history; breaking down what the dataset includes, its analytical value and limitations, and how the release may influence the broader congressional and administrative focus on fraud, waste, and abuse in healthcare programs.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss what to watch for this week on Capitol Hill, including President Trump's State of the Union address and upcoming healthcare hearings.
This week in the Breakroom, Debbie Curtis and special guest Heather Foster, VP of Marketplace Policy at the Association for Community Affiliated Plans, join Maddie News to break down the proposed 2027 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters and discuss on the ground implications of the proposals.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Erin Fuller to discuss what to watch during the congressional recess and examine how DOGE's release of provider-level Medicaid claims data could shape stakeholder responses and future congressional or administrative oversight of the healthcare system.
This week in the Breakroom, Katie Waldo joins Julia Grabo to discuss the recent focus on Medicaid fraud by the Trump administration and Congress, and what to watch moving forward.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss upcoming congressional hearings on healthcare affordability and fraud.
This week in the Breakroom, Amy Kelbick and Josh Jorgensen join Erin Fuller to discuss how Congress brought an end to the recent partial government shutdown, and what may be next on the congressional health policy agenda in the months ahead.
Government funding lapsed on Friday, triggering a partial shutdown. In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss what the House of Representatives must do to reopen the government.
This week in the Breakroom, Jeffrey Davis joins Maddie News for deep dive into the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC), which recently received its first publicly submitted proposal in six years.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Rodney Whitlock and Debbie Curtis join Erin Fuller to discuss the challenges facing the Senate this week as it works to avoid a government shutdown – and the implications for healthcare policy.
This week in the Breakroom, Josh Jorgensen and Amy Kelbick join Julia Grabo to discuss the content and trajectory of the healthcare package released earlier this week in the House of Representatives.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Rodney Whitlock and special guest Josh Jorgensen join Maddie News to discuss the recently released FY2026 Labor-HHS bill, and the health policies attached to it, along with next steps for passage.
This week in the Breakroom, Paul Gadiock, Partner at McDermott Will and Schulte, joins Erin Fuller to discuss the recent FDA guidance on clinical decision support (CDS) software and general wellness products, and the tone this sets for the future of digital health product regulation.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Rodney Whitlock, Amy Kelbick, and Josh Jorgensen join Erin Fuller to break down what to watch in the Senate after the House advanced an extension of enhanced APTCs – and what it all signals for healthcare policy in 2026.
This week in the Breakroom, Simeon Niles and Amy Kelbick join Maddie News to dive into recent administration announcements and CMMI models related to drug pricing and accessibility.
In our first Healthcare Preview podcast of 2026, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss what healthcare issues Congress is focused on as the second session of the 119th Congress begins.
This week in the Breakroom, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Erin Fuller to recap congressional debates in both chambers on healthcare affordability and the future of the Advanced Premium Tax Credits, and how these developments could shape the outlook for 2026 on Capitol Hill.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss what they are watching on the House floor this week.
This week in the Breakroom, Simeon Niles and Parashar Patel join Maddie News to discuss the recently announced CMS ACCESS model and FDA TEMPO pilot, and what digital health companies should keep in mind when assessing participation.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Erin Fuller to discuss what Congress is up to this week amidst ongoing debates to address the soon-to-be expiring enhanced Advanced Premium Tax Credits.
This week in the Breakroom, Deborah Godes and Marla Kugel join Julia Grabo to explore key policies in the recently released CY 2026 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Service Center Payment System final rule.
In this week's Healthcare Preview podcast, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the congressional calendar for this week and the rest of the year, including upcoming suspensions and hearings, and ongoing discussions of the enhanced Advance Premium Tax Credits.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Erin Fuller to recap last week's congressional discussions on healthcare affordability and break down new reports of a White House health policy plan to address the soon-to-be expiring advanced premium tax credits.
Today in the Health Policy Breakroom, Katie Waldo and Kayla Holgash join Julia Grabo to discuss recent actions around implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's (OBBBA's) provider tax provisions and Rural Health Transformation Program.
In the third and final episode of our Breakroom series celebrating people with disabilities and those who care for them, Kayla Holgash is joined by Jenny Babcock, Senior Vice President for Medicaid Policy at Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP). Jenny and Kayla discuss the life and legacy of Jenny's sister, Jill Babcock, who was a fierce advocate for those with disabilities, serving as Director of Fair Housing for the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department, and founding a consulting firm that helped organizations navigate the intersection of economic development and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In the second episode of our Breakroom series celebrating people with disabilities and those who care for them, Kayla Holgash is joined by Yadira Holmes, Vice President, Government Relations at Sevita. Yadira and Kayla discuss how work can be treatment for their participants, how Sevita helps their participants find appropriate jobs, and policy suggestions to support individuals with disabilities.
In this week's Healthcare Preview podcast, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss what Congress is up to this week after the reopening of the government, including key health hearings and the ongoing debate on the enhanced premium tax credits.
This week in the Breakroom, Jeffrey Davis and Rachel Stauffer join Maddie News to discuss the continuing resolution that ended the government shutdown and retroactively restored Medicare telehealth flexibilities, including what guidance is needed for providers before submitting certain telehealth claims.
In the first episode of our Breakroom series celebrating people with disabilities and those who care for them, Kayla Holgash is joined by Jeffrey Davis, McDermott+ health policy director and primary author of our Regs & Eggs blog. Jeffrey and Kayla discuss Jeffrey's personal experience with disability and how it has related to his career, his upbringing, his support system, and what he wishes more people knew about working and living with disabilities.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Erin Fuller to discuss the Senate's recent deal to reopen the government and what to watch for next from Congress in the ongoing fight to fund the government.
This week in the Breakroom, Jeffrey Davis and Rachel Hollander join Erin Fuller to break down major payment policies in the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule.
In this week's Healthcare Preview podcast, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss why we are watching this week closely for signs of a reopening government.
This week in the Breakroom, Debbie Curtis joins Julia Grabo to dig into the conversation within Congress and the administration around the expiring enhanced advanced premium tax credits ahead of Affordable Care Act Marketplace enrollment opening on November 1, 2025.
In this week's Healthcare Preview podcast, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the upcoming start of the health insurance marketplace open enrollment, and what any potential congressional action on the enhanced premium tax credits could mean for the marketplaces.
This week in the Breakroom, Jeffrey Davis joins Maddie News to discuss how the ongoing government shutdown and the expiration of certain congressional healthcare extenders have impacted Medicare's processing of physician claims, and what recent changes mean for healthcare providers.
In this week's Healthcare Preview podcast, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Erin Fuller to discuss the ongoing government shutdown and the upcoming Senate HELP Committee hearing on the 340B program.
This week in the Breakroom, Rachel Stauffer joins Erin Fuller to discuss the expiration of the Medicare fee-for-service telehealth flexibilities and unpack what this means for patients, providers, and the future of virtual care.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the current state of the government shutdown.
Amy Kelbick and Simeon Niles join Julia Grabo to discuss the implementation of President Trump’s most-favored nation drug pricing executive order, including how manufacturers are responding and possible next steps.
In this week’s Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the government shutdown, what the Senate and House are up to this week, and how the shutdown could end.
This week in the Breakroom, Jeff Davis and Amy Kelbick join Erin Fuller to discuss what we can expect from Congress and the Department of Health and Human Services during the government shutdown, and how specific healthcare programs will be impacted.
In this week’s Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss where we are at with the looming government funding deadline of September 30, and what stakeholders should keep in mind with expiring healthcare programs.
Lynn Nonnemaker joins Julia Grabo to discuss what Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D proposals have been finalized, and, more importantly, which ones have not yet been addressed.
In this week’s Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Erin Fuller to discuss where Congress is at in their battle to fund the government as the September 30th deadline quickly approaches, as well as an overview of last week’s highly-anticipated Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting.
This week in the Breakroom, Rachel Stauffer and Amy Kelbick join Erin Fuller for a deep dive into the MAHA Commission's "Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment," and discuss anticipated next steps in its implementation.
On this special edition of the breakroom, Maddie News interviews a new member of the McDermott+ team, Erin Fuller, who will become a new host of our weekly Preview and Breakroom podcasts.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss what's going on in Congress this week, from government funding to healthcare activity at the committee level.
This week in the Breakroom, Jeffrey Davis joins Julia Grabo to discuss the Spring 2025 Unified Agenda and what it might tell us about the Trump administration’s regulatory and deregulatory healthcare priorities.
In this week’s Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss what options Congress may be considering to fund the government with 12 legislative days left before the September 30th deadline, and the renewed focus on vaccines following Secretary Kennedy’s testimony in front of the Senate Committee on Finance.
This week in the Breakroom, Jeffrey Davis and Rachel Stauffer join Maddie News to discuss progress on HHS appropriations and what’s to come.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss how the forthcoming government funding fight could play out.
This week in the Breakroom, Rachel Stauffer and Rachel Hollander join Maddie News to take a deep dive into the digital health and telehealth proposals in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Read more in this week’s Regs & Eggs blog post.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to reflect on the year so far and look into their crystal ball for August recess and beyond.
Deborah Godes and Marla Kugel join Julia Grabo to discuss the major policies proposed in the recently released calendar year 2026 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule.
In this week’s Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the upcoming August recess and how that is contributing to a slow healthcare congressional week.
This week in the Breakroom, Jeffrey Davis and Rachel Hollander join Maddie News to break down major payment policies in the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule. Read more in our regs & eggs blog post.
The deadline to pass the White House’s recissions package is this week. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the package’s state of play and why it matters.
Sarah Raaii and Rachel Stauffer join Julia Grabo to discuss a key virtual care provision from the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including its impact on patients, employers, and the state of virtual care policy at large.
In this week’s Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss what Congress will be focusing on after the passage of the reconciliation package.
This week in the Breakroom, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to recap the Senate’s passage of the reconciliation package and preview what could be in store as the House prepares to vote on the amended package. As of the time of our recording at 12:30pm ET on July 2, the House had not yet voted on the bill.
In this week’s Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss reconciliation updates from the weekend and what could be in store this week.
This week in the Breakroom, Lynn Nonnemaker joins Maddie News to discuss the recent announcement by health insurers to streamline the prior authorization process. Read more in our Regs and Eggs blog post.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss where the Senate is on reconciliation ahead of the quickly approaching, self-imposed July 4th deadline.
Debbie Curtis, Rodney Whitlock, and Maddie News join Julia Grabo to discuss how the recently released Senate Finance Committee reconciliation language differs from the House-passed bill and where the Senate moves next in the process.
In this week’s Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the expected release of Senate Finance Committee reconciliation text and what to look out for in the healthcare space.
his week in the Breakroom, Jeff Davis and Rachel Stauffer join Maddie News to discuss HHS’ recently released budget in brief for 2026 and how it has jumpstarted the congressional appropriations process on Capitol Hill. Read more about the budget in brief in our recent Regs & Eggs blog posts.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the busy week ahead of Congress, including where they are in the reconciliation, recissions, and appropriations processes.
July is anticipated to be a busy rulemaking month, and Marla Kugel has joined M+ as a Senior Director just in time. In this episode of the breakroom, Devin Stone joins to discuss how the M+ data team approaches rules season, and Marla discusses her background in health policy and what areas of health policy she’s excited to dive into this year.
In this week’s Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis joins Maddie News to discuss forthcoming CBO scores and what the Senate margin means for ongoing reconciliation discussions.
This week in the Breakroom, Amy Kelbick joins Maddie News to discuss recent actions by the Trump Administration and Congress on lowering the cost of prescription drugs.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss what we know (and don’t know) about the House-passed reconciliation package and what we are watching for in the Senate.
Simeon Niles joins Julia Grabo to discuss the new direction of the CMS Innovation Center and how stakeholders can prepare to participate.
Rodney Whitlock and Debbie Curtis join Julia Grabo to discuss what happened over the weekend with the House’s budget reconciliation bill and what to pay attention to moving forward.
This week in the Breakroom, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to recap this week’s progress in the House on reconciliation and discuss next steps.
In this week’s Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the released text of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s reconciliation language and what comes next.
Jeff Davis joins Julia Grabo to discuss the President’s “skinny” budget request and what it tells us (or doesn’t tell us) about the restructuring at the US Department of Health and Human Services. Learn more in this week’s Regs & Eggs blog: https://www.mcdermottplus.com/blog/regs-eggs/
In this week’s Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the delay of key reconciliation markups, including at the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and what comes next.
In this week’s Breakroom episode, Lynn Nonnemaker joins Maddie News to discuss the Congressional Budget Office’s recent projection of when the Medicare Part A Trust Fund will run out of money, and what stakeholders should be on the lookout for.
As Congress returns from a two-week recess, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss how the House Energy and Commerce Committee is preparing for their May 7 markup of budget reconciliation legislation.
Josh Jorgensen and Olivia Gomez joined McDermott+ this month, bringing our clients a wealth of skill and experience. This week in the Breakroom, Josh and Olivia join Julia Grabo to discuss their interest in health policy, career experience, and what made them choose to join the M+ team.
This week in the Breakroom, Simeon Niles and Leigh Feldman join Maddie News to discuss provisions in the recently issued FY 2026 IPPS proposed rule, including updates to the TEAM Model and requests for information on deregulation and the inpatient quality reporting program.
Lynn Nonnemaker and Amy Kelbick join Julia Grabo to discuss the two Medicare Advantage (MA) final rules released in the past week and how they fit into the Administration’s other initiatives and larger priorities.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss priorities in the House of Representatives ahead of the Easter recess, including reconciliation and an Energy & Commerce Committee markup of several healthcare bills.
This week in the Breakroom, Lynn Nonnemaker joins Maddie News to discuss the upcoming Medicare Advantage and Part D final rate notice and what stakeholders should be looking out for.
In this week’s Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss potential movement in the Senate on a budget resolution and the announcement of an HHS reorganization.
Jeff Davis and Leigh Feldman join Julia Grabo to try to predict what might be included in the upcoming Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule.
In this week’s Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss what’s brewing on Capitol Hill, including budget reconciliation, the debt limit, and pending agency leadership nominations.
This week in the Breakroom, Devin Stone and Leigh Feldman join Maddie News to discuss the Medicare site-neutral policy options being considered for inclusion in reconciliation, and what impact they could have for stakeholders.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss what to expect from Congress now that the government has been funded for FY 2025.
This week in the Breakroom, Erica Stocker and Amy Kelbick join Julia Grabo to discuss the status of government funding ahead of Friday's deadline, and the state of play of the broader budget reconciliation process.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the status of government funding and next steps to avoid a shutdown, as House Republicans work to garner votes for their recently released continuing resolution.
This week in the Breakroom, Kristen O’Brien and Jeffrey Davis join Maddie News to discuss recent actions by the Trump administration to modify the regulatory process, including a recent policy statement on notice and comment procedures.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the state of the government funding package ahead of the March 14 deadline.
This week in the Breakroom, Simeon Niles joins Julia Grabo to discuss the future of value-based care in 2025, key themes from Health Care Value Week, and strategies for balancing cost containment with high quality patient care.
In the final episode of our special Breakroom series celebrating Black History Month, Kayla Holgash is joined by Ellen Mitchell, a pediatric neuro-ophthalmologist in Atlanta, GA. They discuss Ellen's experiences as a Black woman in medicine, workforce challenges in ophthalmology, and how to remove barriers and encourage more people to enter the medical field.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the status of the reconciliation process in the House, including the debate on Medicaid, and the looming March 14 government funding deadline.
This week in the Breakroom, Kayla Holgash joins Maddie News to discuss potential reforms to Medicaid that could be made by Congress or the Trump administration, both in reconciliation and beyond.
In the third episode of our special Breakroom series celebrating Black History Month, Kayla Holgash is joined by Shafia Monroe, midwife, doula trainer, and cultural competency trainer. Kayla and Shafia discuss the history of Black women's roles in childbirth in the US, coverage of midwifery and doula services, and their impact on maternal and infant health.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to recap the mass HHS layoffs over the long weekend and discuss next steps in the budget reconciliation process.
Lynn Nonnemaker joined McDermott+ this month as Senior Director, bringing our clients deep regulatory knowledge and extensive experience in Medicare policy across both public and private sectors. Today, Lynn joins Julia Grabo to discuss her interest in health policy, learnings from her career experience, and her outlook on Medicare Advantage.
In the second episode of our special Breakroom series celebrating Black History Month, Kayla Holgash is joined by Ashlee Wisdom, MPH, founder and CEO of Health in Her HUE, a digital platform connecting Black women and women of color to culturally competent and sensitive healthcare providers. Kayla and Ashlee discuss the history of Black women's health in the US, the support Health in Her HUE provides to its users, and Ashlee's outlook on the future of digital health.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to break down the latest actions by the Trump administration and state of play in the Senate.
This week in the Breakroom, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the status of RFK Jr.'s nomination to be HHS Secretary and, if confirmed, what it may mean for healthcare policy in the second Trump administration.
In the first episode of our special Breakroom series celebrating Black History Month, Kayla Holgash is joined by Steven Nash, President and CEO of Stoddard Baptist Home Foundation, the longest serving Black-owned and operated nursing home in the United States. Kayla and Steven discuss the Black community's contributions to the establishment of long-term care in the US, Stoddard's historic and current role as a nursing home in Washington, DC, and Steven's vision for the future of long-term care.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the next steps in Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Senate confirmation process, budget reconciliation in the House, and the flurry of recent activity from the White House.
This week in the Breakroom, Leigh Feldman and Amy Kelbick join Maddie News to discuss President Trump's first healthcare executive actions since taking office, along with how the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans could roll back Biden-era healthcare regulations.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the nomination hearing process and what could be in store for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s HHS Secretary hearings this week.
This week in the Breakroom, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the conversations around mandatory spending cuts, particularly related to healthcare, as Congress and the Trump Administration aim to reduce the federal budget deficit.
In this week's Healthcare Preview podcast, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss Day One actions by President Trump, including what to take away from his first Executive Orders and what is still to come for healthcare.
This week in the Breakroom, Jeffrey Davis and Rachel Stauffer join Julia Grabo to dive into what 2025 holds for physician payments and virtual care.
In this week's Preview, Debbie Curtis joins Maddie News to discuss the final week of the Biden administration, as well as the week ahead in the 119th Congress, with the Senate focused on confirmation hearings for Trump-nominated officials, and Congressional Republicans eyeing healthcare policies as potential savers for upcoming legislation.
This week in the Breakroom, Ryan Higgins, Partner at McDermott Will & Emery, joins Maddie News to discuss the recently released HHS proposed rule that would increase cybersecurity protections for electronic protected health information.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to preview the first full week of the 119th Congress, as members focus on certifying election results, President Jimmy Carter's funeral proceedings, House Democratic committee assignments, and more. Debbie and Rodney also preview the next few months on Capitol Hill, with the March 14 government funding deadline just nine weeks away.
In our last Healthcare Preview of 2024, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the final week of the 118th Congress and how it may indicate what 2025 could look like on Capitol Hill.
This week in the Breakroom, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the ongoing government funding debate, the fate of the year-end healthcare package, and what this all could mean for health policymaking in 2025.
In this week's Healthcare Preview, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the healthcare package that could be included in a short-term continuing resolution and what that means for health policy in 2025.
Kristen O’Brien joins Julia Grabo to recap last week’s Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP)/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) annual meeting and discuss the recently released HTI-2 final rule.
In this week's Healthcare Preview podcast, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the ongoing congressional negotiations for a healthcare package before the end of the lame duck session.
This week in the Breakroom, Amy Kelbick and Rachel Stauffer join Maddie News to discuss CMS' proposal to require coverage of anti-obesity medications, or GLP-1s, in both Medicare and Medicaid.
As Congress returns this week for the final stretch of lame duck, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to provide their thoughts on how these last three weeks might play out, with funding the federal government, disaster relief, the National Defense Authorization Act, the farm bill, and healthcare extenders all on the agenda.
As we approach Thanksgiving, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss what they're thankful for, and provide their thoughts on President-elect Trump's recent nominees to run federal agencies.
Leigh Feldman joins Julia Grabo to discuss how the incoming Trump administration might use methods like the Congressional Review Act to revisit and overturn Biden-era healthcare regulations such as the Medicaid Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities final rule, the Medicare TEAM mandatory model, and more.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to preview this week on Capitol Hill, including potential disaster relief legislation, a look ahead to the rest of the lame duck session, and their thoughts on the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to provide an outlook on the likelihood of healthcare extenders, Medicare telehealth flexibilities, a Medicare physician payment "doc fix," and prior authorization reforms being included in an end of year spending package.
As Congress returns today for the lame duck session, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss upcoming leadership elections and other priorities ahead of the December 20 government funding deadline.
Rachel Stauffer joins Julia Grabo to discuss the virtual care provisions in CMS' recently released calendar year 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the upcoming election and potential outcomes for the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives.
Sarah Raaii, Partner at McDermott Will & Emery, joins Maddie News to discuss the first of anticipated proposed rules on coverage of over-the-counter services, focused on contraception items.
Rachel Stauffer joins Julia Grabo after her trip to HLTH 2024 in Las Vegas to discuss key trends and conversations she noticed at the conference.
Erica Stocker joins Maddie News to discuss the recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on hospital price transparency and how it could spur congressional action.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the state of the upcoming US election and how the need for disaster relief after hurricanes Helene and Milton will shape the lame duck session of congress.
Leigh Feldman joins Julia Grabo to discuss the recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) report on the Acute Hospital Care at Home program, including patient characteristics and satisfaction, quality of care, Medicare spending and utilization, and the program's future prospects.
Deborah Godes and McDermott's Michael Ryan join Maddie News to recap last week's +Dx Diagnostics Forum 2024 and discuss key takeaways from the premier gathering of the laboratory diagnostics community.
Simeon Niles recently joined McDermott+ as Director, bringing our clients more than a decade of experience in value-based care design and population health models across Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance. Simeon joins the Breakroom for a chat about his background, what he’s learned over the years, and the future of value-based care.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the status of government funding and provide an outlook on congressional activity during the upcoming October recess.
Kayla Holgash joins Julia Grabo to discuss her key takeaways from the 53rd Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Foundation Annual Legislative Conference.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the health-related activity in Congress this week, including markups, hearings, and bills on the House floor, and predict whether both chambers will return next week for the rest of their scheduled session.
Katie Waldo and Jeffrey Davis join Maddie News to discuss two recent administrative actions on mental health: the recently released final rule on mental health parity requirements, and a request for information on Medicare payment for behavioral health crisis services.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss this week's multitude of congressional hearings and what they might mean for the lame duck session.
As Congress enters its last week of summer recess, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Maddie News to discuss the upcoming election and what it means for legislative activity in September.
Deborah Godes and Leigh Feldman join Julia Grabo to discuss provisions in the fiscal year (FY) 2025 Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) final rule, including changes to payment rate, new technology add-on payment, TEAM model and DSH hospitals.
Kristen O'Brien joins Maddie News to discuss the reorganization of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and the recently released proposed rule on Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability (HTI-2).
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to preview the Senate's final in-session week before recess, and discuss what staffers will be working on and congressional priorities before the end of the year.
Priya Rathakrishnan and Maddie News join Julia Grabo to discuss their roles at McDermott+ and provide a behind the scenes tour of our podcasting process.
Deborah Godes and Marie Knoll join Julia Grabo to discuss provisions and stakeholder implications from the recently released calendar year 2025 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems Proposed Rule.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss the current state of affairs in the US Presidential election and its potential impacts on Capitol Hill and in healthcare.
Kristen O'Brien, Rachel Hollander and Jeff Davis join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss the Calendar Year 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule and specifically highlight several coding proposals made by CMS. To learn more about the proposed rule, read our +Insight here.
Jeffrey Davis joins Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss the Administration's Spring 2024 Unified Agenda, highlighting the significant healthcare regulations expected to be published this year.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss upcoming healthcare regulations from the administration and the future of telehealth in the House of Representatives.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss the recent Supreme Court decision that overturns the Chevron deference and what that means for the health industry going forward.
Kristen O’Brien joins Julia Grabo to discuss the latest regulatory and legislative action on prior authorization and what stakeholders should be watching for next.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss an expected Supreme Court decision on the Chevron deference, and the implications it could have for Congress.
Leigh Feldman joins Julia Grabo to discuss last week's Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) appearances in front of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee and House Budget Committee.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss Congress' dwindling time in session before August recess and what key actions to expect. They also discuss upcoming expected Supreme Court rulings.
Leigh Feldman joins Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss the federal policies that currently exist to address drug shortages.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss what this week's action on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) will mean for Congress' productivity over the rest of the year.
Kayla Holgash joins Julia Grabo to discuss last week's CMS Health Equity Conference, including CMS' areas of focus, recent health equity achievements and attendee action items.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss the difference in congressional activity on the floors and committees.
Eric Zimmerman, Erica Stocker and Carrie Cochran-McClain, Chief Policy Officer of the National Rural Health Association, join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss rural health and solutions to address issues faced by rural communities.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to explore the concept of “show votes” in the House and Senate.
Rachel Stauffer, Leigh Feldman and Erica Stocker join Julia Grabo to discuss COVID-era telehealth flexibilities facing expiration at the end of this year, and recently proposed legislation aimed at extending these flexibilities.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss recent and upcoming congressional activity on telehealth legislation.
Rachel Stauffer joins Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss significant provisions in the long-awaited Food and Drug Administration's laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) final rule.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss this week's expected motion to vacate Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and the possibility of an extenders package.
Debbie Curtis and McDermott Will & Emery Partner Gregory Fosheim join Julia Grabo to discuss provisions in the recently released nursing staff minimum standards final rule and what it means for stakeholders.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss this week's congressional hearings on the Change Healthcare cyberattack and Medicaid access proposals.
Katie Waldo and Kayla Holgash join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss significant provisions in the recently released Medicaid Access final rule focused on home- and community-based services (HCBS).
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the House's weekend passage of a foreign aid package and this week's expected flurry of proposed rules.
Jeffrey Davis and Erica Stocker join Julia Grabo to discuss the recently released fiscal year (FY) 2025 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule, including the new mandatory accountable care model, drug shortage prevention policies, hospital payment adjustments and updated geographic assignments.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss congressional healthcare activity this week, with a focus on the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on cybersecurity and solutions to prevent issues like the cyberattack on Change Healthcare.
Kristen O’Brien joins Julia Grabo to discuss the bicameral, bipartisan agreement reached by Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell and House Energy & Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers on a national privacy standard.
Debbie Curtis joins Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss the congressional outlook on healthcare, now that Congress is back from recess, having completed government funding and 2023 appropriations work.
Eric Zimmerman joins Priya Rathakrishnan to reflect on the past 10 years of McDermottPlus and envision the next 10 years ahead.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss what was and wasn’t included in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills, what is on Congress’ agenda for the rest of the year and what congressional member and staff turnover means for policymakers.
Devin Stone, Leigh Feldman and Yamini Kalidindi join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss their recent analysis of site-of-service patterns and how they vary by geography.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss Friday's appropriations deadline and what it means for healthcare priorities.
Leigh Feldman joins Julia Grabo to explore the Congressional Review Act: what it is, how it could be used to invalidate regulations issued by federal agencies and what it means for the current administration.
Debbie Curtis joins Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss her thoughts on President Biden's proposed budget for FY 2025 and its impact on congressional activity.
Jeffrey Davis joins Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss the regulatory implications of policies included in the minibus healthcare package released by Congress and likely to be signed into law this week.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the provisions in the small healthcare package that will be included with funding for the departments facing deadlines this Friday, March 8.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the new deal to avoid a partial government shutdown, and what it means for healthcare.
Rodney Whitlock and Debbie Curtis join Julia Grabo to discuss the state of play on the Hill leading up to the March 2 government funding deadline.
Rachel Hollander, Devin Stone and Parashar Patel join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss their recent analysis on site neutral payment policies for ambulatory services.
Rodney Whitlock joins Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss his thoughts on Republicans in the House of Representatives, their views and priorities and how those views and priorities may impact the upcoming government funding deadlines.
Kayla Holgash joins Julia Grabo to highlight two influential Black doctors who shaped the healthcare system we have today: Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler and Dr. Charles Drew.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss congressional priorities and the announced retirement of the House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA).
As we wrap up our Health Policy Outlook podcast series, Katie Waldo, Amy Kelbick and Jeffrey Davis join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss their outlooks on consumer protections and prescription drug policy for 2024.
As Congress quickly approaches yet another government funding deadline, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss how this limited time is being spent on Capitol Hill.
As we continue our Health Policy Outlook podcast series, Leigh Feldman, Rachel Stauffer and Erica Stocker join Julia Grabo to discuss their outlooks on healthcare access and innovation policy for 2024.
Now that congressional negotiators have reached a deal on the totals for a dozen spending bills, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss next steps on appropriations and what congressional action to expect as we approach the next government funding deadline.
Leigh Feldman, Jeffrey Davis and Erica Stocker join Priya Rathakrishnan to provide their insights on the recently released CMS Prior Authorization final rule and discuss next steps they expect from congress and the administration.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss implications of the recent continuing resolution that funds the federal government until early March, and what it all means for healthcare.
Jeffrey Davis joins Julia Grabo to discuss the so-called "doc fix" that would prevent some or all of the 3.37% cut to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor. They also explore what congressional action would look like and address why it's a hot topic now.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss what seems to be an eerily familiar state of affairs in Congress as it relates to the upcoming government funding deadline.
Katie Waldo, Kayla Holgash and Jeff Davis join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss their outlooks on Medicare and Medicaid payment and coverage policy for 2024.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the reported FY 2024 topline spending agreement between congressional leaders and what it means for healthcare priorities ahead of the January 19 funding deadline.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss the upcoming January 19 congressional funding deadline and make early predictions for 2024 healthcare priorities.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the year that was on Capitol Hill, track progress on health policy initiatives and predict what we'll see for healthcare legislation in 2024.
Kayla Holgash and Katie Waldo join Priya Rathakrishnan to provide background and context around Medicaid unwinding, states' approaches to the unwinding process and steps the Biden administration is taking to provide assistance.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the coming House vote on the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act and the possibility of an end-of-year legislative package.
Amy Kelbick joins Julia Grabo to discuss proposed policies aimed at stopping anticompetitive behavior in the pharmaceutical marketplace.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss the next steps to expect from Congress on government funding and healthcare before the holidays.
Deborah Godes joins Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss recent clarification and guidance provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on remote monitoring and digital therapy payment policies.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the lack of a December legislative deadline this year, what Congress is up to for the rest of the year and what it all means for healthcare priorities.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Priya Rathakrishnan to give thanks to Congress for avoiding a government shutdown this year, and explore healthcare priorities on Capitol Hill before the next funding deadline of January 19, 2024.
Devin Stone and Parashar Patel join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss the recent Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA) conference on reimbursement and health policy and provide key takeaways for medical device manufacturers.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the possibility of a continuing resolution (or two) as we approach Friday’s government funding deadline.
Kayla Holgash joins Julia Grabo to discuss health equity initiatives in some of last week’s Medicare final rules for calendar year 2024: the Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Physician Fee Schedule.
Rodney Whitlock joins Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss expectations on congressional activity as we near the next government funding deadline.
Rachel Stauffer joins Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss this week's Executive Order on artificial intelligence and its implications for healthcare stakeholders.
Now that Rep. Mike Johnson has been installed as Speaker of the House, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss the aggressive agendas in the House and Senate this week, the looming November 17 deadline for a continuing resolution and where healthcare fits among congressional priorities.
Parashar Patel joined McDermottPlus last month as Vice President, bringing our clients more than 30 years of health policy and market access experience. Parashar joins the Breakroom for a chat about his background, philosophy and interest in health policy.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss current Congressional priorities amidst the continuing House speaker race.
Julia Grabo joins Priya Rathakrishnan to dive deeper into recent updates around the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), implications for stakeholders and what the future of OPTN could look like.
Rodney Whitlock and Debbie Curtis join Julia Grabo to discuss what Congress is up to while the House tries to elect a Speaker.
Jeffrey Davis and Kristen O’Brien join Julia Grabo to delve into the recent developments surrounding the No Surprises Act, the related litigation in Texas and the high-level implications for stakeholders, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Rodney Whitlock and Debbie Curtis join Priya Rathakrishnan to discuss what to expect with the House Speaker vote this week and what it all means for healthcare.
Deb Godes and Rachel Stauffer join the Breakroom to discuss the newly released FDA proposed rule on laboratory developed tests (LDTs), stakeholder input the agency is seeking and how Congress may react to the rulemaking. For more information on the LDT proposed rule, read our +Insight and Regs&Eggs blog.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore how we avoided a shutdown and what comes next.
As momentum builds in Congress to expand site-neutral payment policies, Eric Zimmerman joins Julia Grabo in the Breakroom to discuss what site-neutral payments are, what previous reform efforts looked like and what to expect going forward.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock recap the crazy week that was for healthcare on Capitol Hill and explore the likelihood of the federal government shutting down this coming weekend.
Deborah Godes and Rachel Hollander join the Breakroom to provide an informative overview of CPT, why it matters to the world of health policy and what to expect at the upcoming CPT Editorial Panel meeting this week.
As the threat of a government shutdown looms large, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss what's on tap for a busy week in Congress, including numerous healthcare-focused committee hearings and a House vote on the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act.
Rachel Stauffer joins the Breakroom to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare—which areas are seeing the most innovation, privacy and consent concerns and the legislative role of Congress in the AI space.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore the implications of the new Lower Costs, More Transparency Act introduced by the House, and predict how Congress might address the drug shortage issue this year.
As the days in the fiscal year wind down, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss what legislators on Capitol Hill must accomplish and would like to accomplish in healthcare before the end of the year, and address the elephant in the room: a potential government shutdown.
With the August recess over and the Senate back in session, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore congressional priorities for September and their impact on health policy.
Policymakers are leaning into prescription drug pricing reform with the consumer in mind, aiming to lower costs and provide more payment options and transparency. Rachel Stauffer and Jeffrey Davis join the Breakroom to explore these recent efforts in both the legislative and regulatory arenas.
The implementation of the No Surprises Act hit another snag with the Texas Medical Association IV decision, which vacated two policies in the federal independent dispute resolution (IDR) process. Jeffrey Davis joins the Breakroom to provide the latest on the federal IDR process.
Jeffrey Davis and Katie Waldo discuss a key policy in the IPPS final rule that will alter how Medicare disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments are calculated, which may have negative financial implications on hospitals and physicians alike.
Rachel Stauffer and Rachel Hollander explore the telehealth policies in the CY 2024 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule and highlight key areas stakeholders should pay attention to during the comment period.
CMS recently released the CY 2024 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule, which includes proposals related to Medicare physician payment and the Quality Payment Program (QPP). Jeffrey Davis and Rachel Hollander join the Breakroom to explore key takeaways of the proposed rule, including the conversion factor, the new add-on code for complexity and several delayed policies.
As Congress enters its final week in session before the August recess, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore the healthcare-related committee markups expected this week and what to look for when Congress is back in September.
UPDATE: The Senate HELP Committee's expected markup on the Primary Care and Health Workforce Expansion Act has been postponed until September.
CMS last week released the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems Proposed Rule, which includes proposals to update payment rates and regulations affecting Medicare services furnished in hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgical center (ASC) settings beginning in CY 2024. Deb Godes and Leigh Feldman join the Breakroom to explore key takeaways from the proposed rule and its impact on healthcare stakeholders.
With the August recess approaching, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore the state of healthcare in Congress at the committee level and on the floor.
Jeffrey Davis discusses the Biden Administration's recent initiatives to crack down on "junk fees" in health plans, and explores potential solutions for protecting patients as well as what's on the horizon for the No Surprises Act.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore the status of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act's reauthorization in the House and Senate.
Jeffrey Davis joined McDermott+Consulting last month as a Health Policy Director, bringing our clients substantial knowledge of regulatory advocacy and healthcare policies. Today, Jeffrey chats about his interest in health policy, his career path and McDermottPlus' newest blog, Regs & Eggs.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock count the days Congress will be in session for the rest of the fiscal year, and explore whether there will be room for healthcare legislation on the House floor.
Leigh Feldman joined McDermott+Consulting last week as a Health Policy Director, bringing our clients nuanced health policy and legislative affairs insights informed by more than a decade of experience at CMS and on Capitol Hill. Today, Leigh chats about her background, her interest in healthcare and what she's most excited about in health policy.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore the ongoing appropriations process in the House and Senate and how it will impact health policy in the 118th Congress.
Kayla Holgash joins the Breakroom to discuss her time at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' inaugural Health Equity Conference, and explores what's being done to advance equity in healthcare and why it's such an important initiative.
Join Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock as they discuss the politics of the House of Representatives as Republicans seek to find unity in moving forward, and implications for the rest of the year.
Rachel Hollander and Kristen O'Brien join the breakroom to give us a deep dive into the CMS Physician Fee Schedule Conversion Factor, what's wrong with it, what's being done to fix it and why it matters to healthcare stakeholders.
With the debt limit debate behind us, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore how the debt limit package will affect healthcare and share their health policy outlook for the rest of the year.
With the debt limit bill through the House and awaiting a vote on the Senate floor, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss what's in the bill, what's not in the bill and what stakeholders should be paying attention to.
Now that the White House and Speaker McCarthy have reached a deal over the weekend to raise the debt limit for two years, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore what comes next as Congress races to pass the bill ahead of Monday's deadline.
Chris Salmen joined McDermott+Consulting earlier this month as a senior director, bringing his unique blend of medical device, diagnostic and digital health experience to advise clients on their go-to-market strategy. Today, Chris and Deb Godes chat about his background, his interest in healthcare and what Chris and Deb are excited about in the medical technology space.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss what the debt limit deadlock means for healthcare stakeholders as the June 1 deadline draws closer, and what to watch for in the House Energy & Commerce Committee markup expected this week.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock break down Wednesday's House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee markup, addressing extenders, PBMs, site neutral policies and the timing of this bill.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock assess the progress being made in debt limit talks and explore how the debt limit will affect the four appropriations bills scheduled for markups this week in the House of Representatives.
As the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency comes to an end May 11, Amy Kelbick and Rachel Stauffer explore the future of at-home testing and telehealth flexibilities, while offering advice for healthcare stakeholders moving forward.
With the June 1 debt limit deadline looming, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore what comes next, and offer advice to stakeholders as the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency comes to a close later this week.
This week, the Senate HELP Committee will mark up a bill targeting pharmacy benefit managers' (PBMs) business practices. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explain why PBMs are subject to controversy and what to expect from this legislation.
Katie Waldo joins Rodney Whitlock to break down the upcoming debt limit vote in the House along with a plethora of healthcare-related hearings on Capitol Hill this week.
Congress is back from a two-week recess and so are we! In today's episode, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock look ahead to debt ceiling conversations, potential committee action and how the courts might impact health policy going forward.
On Tuesday, March 28, the House Energy & Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on healthcare costs, price transparency and consolidation. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock break down what stakeholders should keep an eye on coming out of this hearing.
Earlier this month, executives, scientists and health policy and government affairs professionals joined us at +Dx Forum for a day of learning and networking about the latest regulatory and reimbursement developments impacting laboratory diagnostics.
Rachel Stauffer, Amy Kelbick and Paul Radensky recap their top takeaways from the conference and look ahead to the biggest issues facing diagnostics in the year to come.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock break down what we should expect to see Wednesday when HHS Secretary Becerra appears before the Senate Finance Committee to discuss the President's FY 2024 HHS budget.
Today, March 13, marks three years since COVID-19 was declared a national emergency in the US. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore how the pandemic has changed the world of advocacy and how things will be different moving forward.
With President Biden's FY 2024 budget expected to be released this week, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss its political impact and what healthcare stakeholders should be looking out for.
Special guest Katie Waldo joins Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock to discuss the three big advisory committee meetings taking place later this week.
As the Senate HELP committee prepares to hold a hearing this week on healthcare workforce shortages, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock examine this problem and discuss how stakeholders can address the issue.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock predict what President Biden will speak to in Tuesday's State of the Union address, and what the Republican response will be.
The 118th Congress turns to healthcare for the first time, with four health bills going to a vote this week in the House of Representatives. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock break down these votes and what they mean for legislators and stakeholders.
With the House and Senate both back in session this week, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss the process of finalizing committee rosters and upcoming legislative priorities.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock break down what's been accomplished so far in the 118th Congress, predict how this new Congress will operate and what that means for health care stakeholders.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock break down last week's historic and contentious Speaker of the House vote, and discuss how Kevin McCarthy's concessions might impact legislation and health policy this year.
As the 118th Congress kicks off, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore the balance of power in the Senate and the uncertainty surrounding the Speaker vote in the House.
As Congress appears on the brink of passing an omnibus bill, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore what it means for healthcare stakeholders in both the near future and long-term.
With mere days until the expiration of the Continuing Resolution (CR), Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock predict what Congress will do in the week ahead and discuss a policy that might be included in an end-of-year healthcare package.
As the Continuing Resolution (CR) deadline looms, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore recent bipartisan efforts toward mental health legislation and discuss whether these mental health provisions will be included in the final healthcare package.
The Senate returns today, and the House of Representatives will be back in session Tuesday evening. This leaves Congress with three business weeks to wrap up legislative action prior to the December 16th expiration of the continuing resolution (CR). December 16th is not a hard deadline though and it is likely Congress will consider a short-term CR to provide more time to compromise and finalize end-of-the-year priorities. For those planning holiday travel, Congress being in session through December 23rd would not be unlikely. And, if push comes to shove, they could return to complete business through January 2, 2023 as the real deadline is January 3, 2023 when the 118th Congress is sworn into session.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore the status of the House and Senate following the midterm elections, preview upcoming congressional leadership elections, and predict what the lame duck session will look like for health policy.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss the issues on voters' minds ahead of the 2022 midterms and explore the potential ramifications of election results in both the House and Senate.
The Continuing Resolution (CR) was signed into law. And now Congress is out on recess until after the election, which is only 36 days away. Listen to Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss what is next.
Listen here to Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss the status of the continuing resolution and action in Congress this week.
Listen here to Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss the status of the continuing resolution and action in Congress this week.
Listen to Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss action on the continuing resolution and what Congress has on its plate prior to the election.
Listen to Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss action on the continuing resolution and what Congress has on its plate prior to the election.
Listen to Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss how Congress is back in session for the next three weeks before the fiscal year ends on September 30 and need work to fund the government, as well as the status of the User Fee Agreements (UFAs).
Listen to Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss how Congress is back in session for the next three weeks before the fiscal year ends on September 30 and need work to fund the government, as well as the status of the User Fee Agreements (UFAs).
The Senate reconvenes this week and some House committees will see activity, but the recess state of mind is not fully gone. In the Senate, we expect a week of mostly nomination votes and little to no health care policy. The House has few committee hearings scheduled, but again, nothing focused on health care. The real action picks up again next week when both the House and Senate will be back in session.
The Senate reconvenes this week and some House committees will see activity, but the recess state of mind is not fully gone. In the Senate, we expect a week of mostly nomination votes and little to no health care policy. The House has few committee hearings scheduled, but again, nothing focused on health care. The real action picks up again next week when both the House and Senate will be back in session.
Following nearly a year of negotiations among Congressional Democrats and the White House, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) passed in the U.S. Senate this afternoon by a vote of 50 to 50 with the Vice President breaking the tie. It will now move to the House where Speaker Pelosi has announced it will be considered on Friday, August 12th. The package was initially proposed as the Build Back Better Act, with the original proposal passing in the House of Representatives on November 19, 2021. However, Democrats hit roadblocks to passing the bill in the Senate. Senators Manchin (D-WV) and Sinema (D-AZ) expressed concerns regarding the size and costs of the package, especially considering rising inflation. After months of negotiations between Majority Leader Schumer and Senator Manchin, a deal was reached to reduce the federal deficit, reform prescription drug pricing, extend the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC) subsidies for three years, make several tax reform changes, and invest in energy and climate change. The Manchin-Schumer deal was further modified to gain the support of Senator Sinema. None of the changes implemented to gain her vote impacted the health care provisions.
Senate Majority Leader Schumer aims to pass the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 this week. However, that vote may slip to next week. The Senate parliamentarian is still reviewing the draft bill to ensure it complies with budget reconciliation rules. It is unclear when the parliamentarian review process will conclude, and the amount of changes that staff will have to make to finalize the bill. We are also expecting new language on the prescription drug front that will incorporate insulin pricing protections. Exact timing depends on the Parliamentarian review, the health of all 50 Democratic Senators, and whether Senator Sinema will vote for it as constructed. Regardless of the exact timing in the Senate, the House of Representatives will likely be called back into session to consider the reconciliation bill after that, as the House is on recess.
The crunch is on to pass the budget reconciliation package in the Senate. Majority Leader Schumer wants to pass the budget reconciliation package that will focus on prescription drug pricing reform and extension of the Marketplace advanced premium tax credits (APTCs) before the August recess.
CMS has released the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment, Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems, and Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rules. Deb Godes and Kristen O'Brien explain how the proposals to update payment rates, policies and regulations affect Medicare services beginning in CY 2023.
Before the weekend, Senator Manchin shared his input on the Senate Democrats' Reconciliation package. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss what compromises Democratic leaders are moving forward with to advance budget legislation.
We begin a three-week work period with twelve voting days. We are 120 days to the election. Debbie and Rodney look ahead to the efforts by President Biden and Democrats in Congress to protect abortion access while balancing work on funding important healthcare priorities through budget reconciliation.
Earlier this month, Kayla joined the McDermottPlus team as a Health Policy Director. She brings a dynamic background in health policy combined with a personal passion for combating institutional racism and addressing racial disproportions in healthcare and health outcomes.
Since the Dobbs decision last week, the Biden Administration, Congressional leaders, and healthcare stakeholders are all asking questions about what's next. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss how the Dobbs decision may impact future healthcare priorities.
At 9:59 am on Friday, June 24, there was a legislative agenda in the US Congress; that changed sixty seconds later when The Supreme Court ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was released. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock traverse through the legislation on the calendar ahead of the August recess.
Last Wednesday, the Supreme Court issued its long-awaited Opinion in the Medicare 340B payment cut case (AHA v. Becerra). The Court found that HHS’s 340B drug payment cuts in 2018 and 2019 were unlawful and sent the case back to the D.C. District Court for further deliberations. Emily Cook and Rodney Whitlock visit this week to explain how this decision impacts 340B hospitals and what litigation remains surrounding the payment cut.
Democrats in the House are planning for action this week on several healthcare-related bills. With four days on the calendar and only a few days before Congress takes a two-week recess, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock connect to cover what's ahead in the short time remaining before the August break.
On Sunday, a bipartisan group of Senators announced a framework for federal gun control legislation. As the details of this deal continue to emerge this week, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock speak about the process of developing action into legislation and the critical role healthcare will play in this meaningful bill.
The Senate bipartisan gun violence prevention framework and continued Senate HELP Committee work on User Fees is the primary focus this week on The Hill. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock team up to explore the week ahead in the Senate.
The House passed the User Fee Acts legislation last night (Wednesday) by a vote of 392-28. Now, it is headed to the Senate, where the HELP Committee is scheduled to consider its UFA proposal next Tuesday. Debbie Curtis, Amy Kelbick and Rodney Whitlock discuss this must-pass legislation.
The House returns to session this week, as Congress looks to address multiple legislative issues ahead of the August recess. Amy Kelbick and Rodney Whitlock team up this week to preview what's ahead on The Hill.
Congress created the 340B Program in 1992 to address drug prices. Since then, a flurry of lawsuits covering many different drug categories and cases have been filed connected to 340B challenges. Emily Cook and Rodney Whitlock visit to discuss the variety of stakeholders in the healthcare space following this issue, creating the need for our just released 304B Litigation Tracker that routinely monitors legal action and decisions.
Show links...
To learn more about the McDermottPlus 340B Litigation Tool, click here... https://www.mcdermottplus.com/340b-tracker-tool-registration/
This week the House is out while the Senate is in. Next week, both bodies are out over the Memorial Day Weekend break. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock look over what legislative items will be a priority this summer on The Hill.
In February, CMS announced a redesign of the Global and Professional Direct Contracting Model for 2023. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation also released an RFA to solicit a cohort of participants for the new version of Direct Contraction, the ACO REACH Model. Aisha Pittman and Mara McDermott discuss how the renamed model better aligns with the purpose of encouraging providers to coordinate care to people with Medicare and better reach participants in underserved communities.
In April, HHS extended the public health emergency (PHE) declaration through July 15 and has said it would give states and health providers 60 days' notice before it ends. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock evaluate the Biden Administration's decision this week on extending the COVID-19 PHE.
Sheila Madhani discusses the recent CMS, HHS and Biden Administration initiatives that impact Medicare quality, PHE flexibilities, health equity and upcoming regulatory updates.
The House and Senate continue their work on the user fee acts and COVID-19 relief, as the nation anticipates the pending Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock outline how this decision will be telling for other legislative opportunities.
May is Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness for the millions of Americans who face the reality of living with a mental illness. Mara McDermott and Colin LeClair focus on the mental health policy priorities and the work Connections Health Solutions is doing to advance compassionate mental health services.
Overall, the window to move healthcare priorities prior to the November election is closing. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock review the legislative items on the Congressional calendar ahead of the August recess.
The Department of Health and Human Services extended the current COVID-19 public health emergency was extended for an additional 90 days and now is expected to extend until at least mid-July. Today, our discussion focuses on the issue of Medicaid renewals and redetermination, where more than 14 million low-income Americans may lose healthcare coverage when the PHE comes to an end. Joining Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock as a special guest this week is Jennifer Babcock, Senior Vice President for Medicaid Policy at the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP).
Congress is back from a two week recess and has a lot to address in the health care space, including supplemental funding for COVID-19 relief, possible agreement on a new version of Build Back Better, the User Fee Agreements, and more. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join guest host Amy Kelbick to discuss what’s ahead.
As Congress returns to work next week, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock share their experiences on the role of Congressional Staff before the August recess.
Millions of Medicare "Part B" enrollees will be able to get up to eight free at-home tests per month at participating drug stores — a change to Medicare rules that previously didn't allow coverage of over-the-counter tests. Amy Kelbick, Meg Gilley and Eric Zimmerman detail the advocacy work on this issue to drive a favorable change.
The “family glitch” is a loophole in the Affordable Care Act that has prevented about five million Americans from subsidized health plans. At a White House event on Tuesday, the Biden Administration announced their program to fix the glitch. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock return to review the proposed change that could affect households seeking to qualify for financial assistance.
Congress is considering a COVID-19 relief package, Secretary Becerra continues committee hears and former President Obama makes his first official visit to the White House. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join us to discuss the week ahead in Washington, DC.
On Monday, March 28, 2022, President Biden released his proposed FY 2023 Budget. The President’s budget includes $5.8 trillion in mandatory and discretionary spending. Debbie Curtis and Meg Gilley examine the investments in health and healthcare initiatives.
Our fingers are sore from clicking "refresh" this morning as we wait for the release of the President's Budget. Debbie Curtis breaks down "Budget Day" and how this moment signals the Administration’s policy priorities for the year ahead.
Twelve years ago, this week, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) became the law of the land and millions of Americans gained affordable coverage as a result. Since 2010, the ACA has endured several legislative challenges and judiciary appeals. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock were both active on both sides of the aisle during the curation of the ACA legislation and share their experiences on crafting this law, along with the outlook on what's needed to support and strengthen the ACA for future generations.
This week has the potential to be a historic moment for our nation during Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's Supreme Court confirmation hearing in the Senate. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock dive into the important role the Supreme Court has historically played in the US healthcare system.
March is National Kidney Month. Mara McDermott is joined by Thomas McLain, President of Renalytix, to discuss the opportunities for enhanced patient outcomes at reduced costs in kidney health and the role that Renalytix believes it has in the mission to eradicate kidney disease.
House and Senate committees are working independently on legislative items that are connected in the health space. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock break down how preventing future pandemics and improving the nation's healthcare system have become bipartisan work.
Established in 2014 by the Budget Control Act, sequestration reduces Medicare payments to hospice and other health care providers by 2% across the board. Congress suspended the practice in 2021 through the CARES Act and has extended it several times since. Sheila Madhani provides an update on where things stand with Medicare sequestration as well as other issues facing physician providers as we head into the second quarter of 2022.
Last week, The White House rolled out its 96-page strategy to move to the next phase of the COVID pandemic and prepare the nation for future outbreaks. This new vision along with the escalating fighting in Ukraine is shaping the debate on funding our government. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock preview how these factors are impacting a long-term deal to fund the government.
Rodney Whitlock and Debbie Curtis join guest host Amy Kelbick to discuss what health care policies could make it into the Omnibus Appropriations Bill that must pass by March 11. They also preview what President Biden might say on health care in his upcoming State of the Union address.
Congress averted a government shutdown and set a new deadline of March 11 to pass a bipartisan Omnibus appropriations bill. Debbie Curtis, Rodney Whitlock, and guest host Amy Kelbick discuss how this process may unfold and what, if any, other health care priorities could be included.
There are dynamics at the local, state and federal level that could lead to the Biden administration to wind down the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). At the same time, there may be reasons to continue the PHE, especially given that this virus has surprised us multiple times to date. Debbie Curtis, Brian Stimson and Rodney Whitlock gather for a discussion on the layers of legal, policy, and political issues that surround statutory and regulatory flexibilities on health services, treatments, vaccination and testing associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the end of January, we welcomed Rachel Kosh to the McDermottPlus team. Rachel will be serving as a Health Policy Manager and shares her background and experience in health policy and strategy.
This week, the House is out of session while Senate pursues action on passing the Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government before Friday's deadline. Debbie Curtis, Amy Kelbick and Rodney Whitlock come together to preview a busy legislative agenda this week in Washington.
On February 2nd, the White House announced that President Biden reignited the Cancer Moonshot with renewed White House leadership of this effort. In addition, Congress is moving forward with legislation to create the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). Meg Gilley, Amy Kelbick and Sheila Madhani join our breakroom discussion on the road ahead for biomedical research.
The House will take up a stop-gap funding bill in the coming week to avoid the February 18th deadline of a government shutdown. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock return to discuss the challenges Democrats face in passing the third bill to extend funding the government.
Health Care Value Week (January 24-28, 2022) celebrated the progress made to date on value-based care models. Mara McDermott and Dr. Brian Steele talk about Collaborative Health Systems' long-standing commitment to accountable care models.
Show Links...
Visit the Health Care Value Week webpage... https://hcvalueweek.org/
The countdown continues for Congressional leaders to work on a plan to fund the government past the February 18th deadline. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss the narrow window for negotiations on passing an omnibus spending bill and what healthcare key initiative in the BBB could become a dynamic issue in the mid-term elections.
Health Care Value Week celebrated the progress made to date on value-based care models. Mara McDermott and Scott Disch review the discussions on key legislative and regulatory priorities on the horizon that will help transform the healthcare system to meet the future needs of patients and providers.
Show Links...
Learn more about Health Care Value Week and access resources... https://hcvalueweek.org/
As Congress is on recess this week, work continues on funding the government beyond the February 18th deadline. Leaders connected last week to begin bipartisan talks. Meg Gilley and Amy Kelbick outline the possible steps ahead to avoid a government shutdown by passing a cross-party spending agreement.
Across the country, the recent coronavirus surge is driving an increase in demands for diagnostic tests, including at-home tests. The Biden administration recently announced that Americans can now order a limited number of free at-home COVID-19 tests and that private insurance will provide coverage without cost-sharing for at-home tests. Our team explains how this will have a financial impact on health insurance plans and our economy.
The House and Senate return to work this week with a renewed focus on funding the government before the continuing resolution expires on February 18. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock preview a possible bipartisan process and what provisions would be included in the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bill.
Have you wondered about the CPT and RUC process? Sheila Madhani explains how CPT codes are created and valued for physician services and why you should care about them.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock outline how the pandemic is significantly impacting the health sector and policy-making in Washington, DC.
As of January 1, 2022, federal law bans many types of out-of-network medical bills and puts the onus on doctors and health insurance companies to resolve their payment disputes. The new law also establishes certain transparency and disclosure requirements. Eric Zimmerman shares the outlook for Surprise Billing this year.
As snow falls in the nation's capital, The Senate returns to Washington this week with no more clarity on the fate of the Build Back Better Act (BBB). Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock return to examine the Democrats' Congressional Agenda in 2022.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock examine Senator Joe Machin's statement on the Build Back Better Bill from this weekend; that he "cannot vote to continue with this piece of legislation." Can some agreement be made to advance the President's economic agenda?
Debbie Curtis, Meg Gilley, Amy Kelbick, and Rodney Whitlock gather to discuss the continuing work on the Build Back Better Act. We also take time to reflect on the most significant healthcare issues of 2021.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wants to pass the President's Build Back Better bill before the holiday. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock preview the work Democrats must undertake in the Senate this week to accomplish this goal.
Debbie Curtis, Sheila Madhani and Rodney Whitlock gather to explain the tricky legislative maneuver Democrats have chosen to address the debt ceiling and how this will address physician payment and reimbursement for 2022.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock review the extensive "to-do" list of legislation that Congress must address as the review of key healthcare priorities in the Build Back Better bill with the Senate parliamentarian begins today.
We recently announced the additions of Madeline Hodge, Tatyana Mallory and Luis Arzaluz to our health policy and data analytics teams.
Congress is back in session with all eyes focusing on funding the government. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore the options lawmakers have to authorize spending, extend the debt limit and pass the President's economic agenda.
The House 220-213 vote to advance the Build Back Better bill came after many months of debate within the Democratic Caucus on the bill's priorities. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explain that while the House vote is a political victory for President Biden, his economic agenda is still far from crossing the finish line.
Value-Based Care (VBC) is the idea of improving quality and outcome for patients. The concept of VBC as an integrated business model that delivers proactive healthcare also reduces health costs while producing better health outcomes. Mara McDermott, VP, McDermott+ Consulting, and Melanie Matthews, CEO, PSW and MultiCare Connected Care, discuss the "value" in value-based healthcare.
All eyes are on the Congressional Budget Office scoring on the costs of the President's economic agenda against the federal budget. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock share what lawmakers are watching for, what their reaction could signal, and the likeliness of a vote in House — this week.
Shelia Madhani and Deb Godes return to discuss the dual payment rules CMS released last week that address telehealth and other COVID-19 flexibilities, updates to the underlying practice expense, finalizing payment rates and policy changes affecting Medicare payment for physician services and for services furnished in hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgical center (ASC) settings.
Show Links...
Read the CY 2022 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule... https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/cms-releases-cy-2022-physician-fee-schedule-final-rule/
Read the CY 2022 Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems Final Rule... https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/cms-releases-cy-2022-outpatient-prospective-payment-and-ambulatory-surgical-center-payment-systems-final-rule/
After intense negotiations, The House voted on the President's $1.75 trillion economic package and infrastructure bill on Friday, paving the way to advance the Build Back Better Act. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock recap the last-minute changes to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and preview the next steps for Democratic leadership.
This is the second episode of our two-part series examining the five key healthcare priorities in the President’s economic agenda. Today, Debbie Curtis, Meg Gilley, and Rodney Whitlock explore the proposed changes in the areas of home and community-based services and Medicare benefits.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss the Build Back Better bill and how Democrats are still negotiating to expand Medicaid, add new Medicare benefits, and empower the federal government to negotiate drug prices.
This is the first of our two-part series examining the five key healthcare priorities in the President’s economic agenda. This week, Debbie Curtis, Amy Kelbick, and Rodney Whitlock explore the proposed changes in the areas of expanding the Affordable Care Act and filling in Medicaid gaps.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock preview the House Democrats focus this week as party leaders continue to negotiate the President's scaled-back economic agenda while trying to maintain support within their party on the shift in priorities that will be included.
CMS will soon release the 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System/Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System (OPPS/ASC) Final Rules. These rules will have a significant impact on Medicare fee-for-service spending on physician, hospital outpatient and ASC services, and on quality reporting in the calendar year (CY) 2022. Sheila Madhani and Deb Godes discuss what to watch for in the final rule that is expected in early next month.
Both the House and Senate are back in session this week with Democrats trying to find the momentum to pass the President's economic agenda. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock explore the challenges Democratic leadership face as they negotiations with key party members on their priorities. While some positions are known, others are more guarded.
Federal agencies announced Sept. 30 the latest interim final rules implementing the No Surprise Act. At issue is the part of the regulation that lays out the independent dispute resolution process used when there is a disagreement between providers and payers over the fair price for out-of-network services. Eric Zimmerman, Kristen O'Brien, and Katie Waldo breakdown the latest IFR and important issues in the dispute resolution process.
The House is on recess this week as House Democrats are busy working on a compromise to bring the bipartisan infrastructure package to a floor vote and address healthcare priorities through reconciliation in the Senate. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock return to examine the signals observed during the negotiation process.
This week, Congress passed and President Biden signed a continuing resolution to fund the government through December 3rd. At the time of this recording on Friday morning, October 1st, the House has not voted on the infrastructure bill as Democrats work on an agreement addressing the larger economic agenda items in the President's domestic agenda. Debbie and Rodney join us today to investigate the key health priorities and goals Democrats aim to achieve in negotiating their spending bill and reconciliation process.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock outline the "hour by hour" timeline ahead in the House as Democrats prepare for a showdown on their economic agenda, with a planned vote (Thursday) on the bipartisan infrastructure package.
This week we welcome Mary Beth Bresch White and Amy Kelbick to the McDermottPlus team. They both will be serving as Health Policy Directors. Amy and Mary Beth share their backgrounds and experience in healthcare leadership, legislation and regulation.
The success or failure of President Biden's economic agenda rests largely on Speaker Pelosi's ability to navigate the legislation through the House this week as Congress officially returns to work. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock consider the pending debt limit hurdle that could disrupt the Democrats voting timeline.
This week, the challenge of reaching common ground was on full display in the Energy & Commerce Committee where the Committee was unable to pass their drug pricing title when three Democrats joined all the Republicans in opposition. As the House committee markup process ends, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock share their thoughts on what it means moving forward and on what "moving forward" means.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock examine the work to be done this week by the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce committees as they advance their components of the President's economic plan.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock address the current questions on the tight timeline Congressional committees have to work on the bipartisan infrastructure deal as lawmakers return to Washington to vote on the proposed spending package and address a jam-packed legislative agenda.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock share over 20 years of experience in legislation and policy regulation. Today, we reflect on their time in Congress for an inside view on the steps they took during the legislative process during their work on The Hill and what that experience may look like for current Congressional staff.
The House narrowly passed the budget framework on party lines Tuesday, advancing the Democrat's spending plan central to President Biden's health agenda. Aaron Badida, Debbie Curtis, and Rodney Whitlock have been following this process and shed insight on what procedural hurdles and negotiating remain in moving the President's entire economic policy plan ahead.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued a letter to her Congressional colleagues this week, laying out the order in which she would like to proceed the voting process on the budget resolution and bipartisan infrastructure package in the House. Debbie Curtis and Meg Gilley examine the possible paths that exist in the House to pass this legislation beginning Monday, August 23rd.
The Senate did its job in passing the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure and $3.5 trillion Budget Resolution bills this week. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock share what most surprised them about the Senate votes and preview the legislative twists and turns ahead in the House.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock review how much of the Senate's proposed $3.5 trillion Reconciliation Package is being allocated to Health and what Congressional leadership is trying to force their members to do with each passing vote.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss how health care providers and professionals are viewed as leaders on COVID vaccine requirements. Yet, policymakers have several challenges in reaching the target vaccination rate due to holdouts. At what point will local, state, and federal leaders require mandatory vaccinations?
The long-awaited bipartisan infrastructure bill was introduced in the Senate. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock cover "what's next" as Senators work to pass nearly $4.5 trillion in legislation (Bipartisan Infrastructure and Budget Resolution)before their August recess.
Sheila Madhani and Meg Gilley preview the legislative and regulatory policy work that is needed to secure the future of telehealth.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock share how the Senate will continue negotiations on the $579 billion infrastructure package they are aiming to complete by… today. This work continues as Americans looking to return to normal after Labor Day are questioning that schedule, based on the COVID-19 Delta variant which threatens public opinion on loosening mask and social distancing guidelines.
The CY 2022 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Proposed Rule (OPPS) was released this week. Deb Godes and Sheila Madhani review the updates to OPPS, ambulatory surgical center Medicare rates, hospital price transparency requirements and the Radiation Oncology Model.
The humidity may have taken a break in Washington this week but the pressure continues in the Senate, as Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for action on the bipartisan infrastructure package and the budget resolution. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock debate what makes a good or bad week for Majority Leader Schumer.
Sheila Madhani is back in the Policy Breakroom to explain the revisions to payment policies under the CY 2022 Physician Fee Schedule. She’ll cover the key takeaways in payment changes, COVID flexibilities like telehealth, and the policies across the rules that promote health equity.
This week the House is on recess, but the Senate is in session. Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock break down the limited time the Senate has to develop and vote on bipartisan infrastructure bill and a budget resolution with reconciliation instructions before the August recess. And, learn how last week's announcement on long-term Medicaid funding to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Territories foreshadows the policy work still ahead.
Eric Zimmerman, Kristen O'Brien, and Katie Waldo review the Interim Final Rule and comment period on implementing portions of the No Surprises Act. They share insight on the rule-making steps for the legislation that bars surprise medical billing effective beginning January 1, 2022.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will soon release the 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center (OPPS/ASC) Proposed Rules. Sheila Madhani, Deborah Godes, and Devin Stone share the significant impact these rules will have on Medicare fee-for-service spending on physician and hospital outpatient services, and on quality reporting in the upcoming calendar year.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock discuss Biden's veto "walkback" and what that meant to future bipartisan opportunities in the Senate.
Last week, Debbie Curtis joined McDermott+Consulting as Vice President. Debbie brings with her more than three decades of experience working on both the Hill and with the health insurance exchange market. Today, we learn about her background and the experiences she will bring to the work in providing solutions to our client’s needs.
Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock preview the rule-making process for the Surprise Medical Billing law. Late last year the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) was signed into law and included within it were provisions that bar surprise billing in most healthcare settings and establishes new transparency requirements. The surprise billing provisions are effective beginning January 1, 2022.
Thursday, June 17, the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling in California v. Texas, a challenge to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that has been in litigation since 2017, finding in a 7-2 majority that plaintiffs did not have standing to challenge the individual mandate. Aaron Badida, Debbie Curtis, and Rodney Whitlock discuss how this decision will shape the direction of strengthening the ACA moving forward.
With no update on the pending SCOTUS decision on the ACA, Rodney Whitlock discusses the House deeming resolution and the focus on the Senate Finance Committee hearing on Mental Health Care in America.
President Biden and former President Obama reunited over the weekend to announce that more than 31 million Americans have gained access to health care through the ACA. But, the future of the ACA hangs in the balance of the pending Supreme Court decision, expected by the end of the month. Rodney Whitlock and Aaron Badida discuss the history of the legislation and legal challenges that have followed during "the 10-year war."
Rodney Whitlock joins the podcast to discuss "Budgets and Voting." The President's budget is now facing appropriation hearings and Senator Joe Manchin's op-ed piece this weekend solidified his position on the filibuster question.
McDermottPlus VP, Mara McDermott, joins the podcast to break down the President’s HHS budget proposal. "What is coming in rulemaking? What is coming from Congress? What's it going to look like and how big will the impact be? This budget document doesn't give us much insight on how they plan to get there."
President Biden has set an aggressive vaccine goal: 70 percent adult immunization rate by Independence Day. To hit this benchmark, the White House has offered every perk to encourage Americans to roll up their sleeves. Rodney Whitlock and Aaron Badida from our health policy team discuss the vaccine rates and tackle the question health officials will have to answer, what happens when they run out of carrots and need to start using sticks?
Monday at 5:30 pm, the Senate will vote to begin the nomination of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. We are nearing the Memorial Day recess and a pathway forward on infrastructure remains unclear. And, what can we expect in President Biden's first detailed budget? Rodney Whitlock previews the big three events on the Hill this week.
Congress held a slew of hearings this week on everything from the CDC’s budget, hospital consolidations, healthcare changes during COVID, and the COVID vaccine supply chain. Rodney Whitlock dives into what we learned from these hearings and what to expect this summer on the Hill. Plus, we welcome Susan Xu and Devin Stone, to our health policy and data strategy team.
The Senate is expected to confirm Chiquita Brooks-LaSure as the CMS head this week. What can we expect with her vote? Rodney Whitlock shares his insights. The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on COVID-19 Health Care Flexibilities. "Just because these flexibilities were extended during the pandemic doesn't mean they go on forever. Eventually, the authority ends and Congress must act."
Young Americans between 12 and 15 years old, are on track to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in pharmacies and mass-vaccination sites across the country. Rodney Whitlock checks in to explain how expanding the vaccine age is part of the Biden Administration's updated vaccine goals that come with some question marks.
+This episode was recorded on THU 5/13 @ 11AM+
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the outstanding vacancies at HHS and introduce Michael Arce, McDermottPlus' new podcast host.
This week, McDermottPlus VP Kristen O'Brien discusses her key takeaways from the FY 2022 Inpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule. Our summery of the rule is available here https://bit.ly/2PWnYAn
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss two House hearings on drug pricing legislation, and next steps on the American Families Plan.
This week, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock and Director Katie Waldo discuss President Biden's announcement of the American Families Plan and the prospects for advancing health policy this year.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss President Biden's upcoming address to Congress and his expected announcement of the American Families Plan.
This week, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock and Director Katie Waldo discuss the Biden Administration’s reversal of a Texas Medicaid waiver, what it signals about the Administration’s Medicaid priorities, and the broader implications for policymaking.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the status of infrastructure negotiations in Congress, CDC's decision to pause use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, and the Biden Administration's reversal of a Texas Medicaid waiver.
McDermottPlus VP Sheila Madhani discusses the Biden Administration’s health equity efforts on this week’s episode of the Health Policy Breakroom.
On this episode of In the Trenches, Brian Stimson, McDermott partner and former Acting General Counsel and Principal Deputy General Counsel for the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is joined by Mara McDermott, Vice President of McDermott+Consulting and guest Satya Thallam, former Senior Counselor in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a conversation on rulemaking processes, the Biden administration’s expected approach on health policy and more.
Satya, Brian and Mara discuss:
The roles of OMB, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the rulemaking process
Approaches and top tips for effectively engaging with OIRA and OMB
Real-world examples of navigating interagency communication during the rulemaking process
The Biden administration’s approach to executive orders in early days of his presidency
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss House consideration of sequester relief legislation, the Senate confirmation hearing for Deputy HHS Secretary and CMS Administrator, and look ahead at the congressional calendar for the remainder of the spring.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the impending Medicare sequester cuts and what's next on the legislative and regulatory agenda.
In recognition of the 11th anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock discusses how the law has changed healthcare policymaking, and current efforts in Congress to build on it.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss ongoing efforts in Congress to prevent Medicare sequester cuts.
McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock discusses congressional efforts to avert impending Medicare sequester cuts on this week’s episode of the Health Policy Breakroom.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss passage of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and congressional efforts to avert the impending Medicare sequester. For our summary of the health provisions of the ARP, click here https://bit.ly/3tnW7a6
McDermottPlus is excited to welcome two new members to our team! Aaron Badida and Jennifer Ohn discuss their experience and what brought them to M+ on this week’s episode of the Health Policy Breakroom.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss Senate passage of American Rescue Plan and how lawmakers may approach policymaking going forward.
This week, McDermottPlus Directors Meg Gilley and Katie Waldo discuss the latest developments related to COVID-19 relief legislation.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the COVID-19 relief legislation that passed the House late last week, and how the process is likely to play out in the Senate.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the nomination hearings for Xavier Becerra for Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the COVID-19 relief package.
Democrats are considering reviving earmarks in the appropriations process during this Congress. McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock and Director Meg Gilley discuss what this means and why it matters on the latest episode of the Health Policy Breakroom.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the ongoing reconciliation process and the return of appropriations earmarks.
This week, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock and Director Katie Waldo discuss House committees' markups of COVID-19 relief legislation and what comes next.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the impeachment trial in the Senate and markups of COVID-19 relief legislation in the House.
In honor of Groundhog Day, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock discusses the two issues those in health policy will be discussing repeatedly in the coming weeks on the latest episode of the Health Policy Breakroom.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the ongoing COVID-19 relief negotiations in Congress and the likelihood of a bipartisan deal.
This week, McDermottPlus Directors Katie Waldo and Rachel Stauffer discuss the surprise billing provisions that were included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. For a deeper dive into this topic, click here https://bit.ly/36ow49Y
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss how power sharing negotiations and an eventual impeachment trial are affecting legislative activity in the Senate.
This week, McDermottPlus VPs Mara McDermott and Rodney Whitlock share their thoughts on President Biden's inauguration and what to expect from the early days of the new Administration. Click here for more of our analysis on the likely healthcare policy reforms and actions of the Biden Administration, and the implications of the 117th Congress on the first 100 days https://bit.ly/39XmhZg
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss what to expect from the Trump Administration's final 24 hours and the incoming Biden Administration.
This week, McDermottPlus Directors Rachel Stauffer and Meg Gilley discuss the impeachment process, what to expect from Congress in the coming weeks, and what impeachment could mean for policymaking going forward.
This week, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock and Director Meg Gilley discuss the disturbing chaos at the Capitol and what Democrats’ win in Georgia means for health policy in 2021.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the end of the 116th Congress, the beginning of the 117th Congress, and what is on the health policy agenda for 2021. Be sure to check out our summary of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 here https://bit.ly/3pNloZx
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss what is likely the final week of the 116th Congress, with government funding, COVID-19 relief and surprise billing legislation all on the table.
This week, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock and Director Meg Gilley discuss the ongoing government funding and COVID-19 relief negotiations in the final weeks of the 116th Congress.
CMS finalized the annual Medicare PFS and OPPS rules this week. Our consultants discuss their key takeaways from the rules on the latest episode of the Health Policy Breakroom. Our summary of the PFS rule is available here https://bit.ly/2JFttjw and the OPPS rule is available here https://bit.ly/2L3LkRz
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the countdown to a government funding deal and which other healthcare policies could make it into a year end package.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss promising COVID-19 vaccine news, government funding negotiations, and the best dry rub for Thanksgiving smoked salmon.
McDermottPlus is pleased to welcome Meg Gilley as our newest Director! She discusses her background and the work she’ll be doing at McDermottPlus on this week’s episode.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss what's on the agenda for the lame duck session of Congress and the odds of legislative action on health policy.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the election results and what they mean for health policy and governing in 2021
This week, McDermottPlus VPs Mara McDermott and Rodney Whitlock react to the election results and discuss what they mean for health policy
Happy Halloween! To mark the spooky occasion, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock offers a very scary look at the nightmare scenario we could face on Election Night. Read more here (if you dare)https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/hawkfish-anticipating-a-potentially-epic-ballot-counting-disaster/
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the personnel turnover that takes place after an election and what it means for the Lame Duck session.
As of right now, just under two weeks from Election Day, polling suggests it is a near certainty that Democrats will keep control of the House of Representatives; the question is by what margin. McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock offers his insights into why the margin matters on this week’s episode of the Health Policy Breakroom.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the still ongoing talks of additional COVID-19 relief legislation, and what a Lame Duck session might look like after a Trump defeat.
Party control of the Senate will have significant implications for healthcare policy in 2021 and beyond. McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock offers his take on the historical context behind this year’s most competitive Senate races on this week’s episode of the Health Policy Breakroom. Read more here https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/senate-election-preview/
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the ongoing possibility of further COVID-19 relief legislation and what to watch for from the Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Judge Amy Coney Barret.
McDermottPlus is pleased to welcome Kristen O’Brien as our newest VP! She discusses her background and the work she’ll be doing at McDermottPlus on this week’s episode.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the news that President Trump and several others in his inner circle have tested positive for COVID-19 and how the situation could shape policy making.
This week, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock and Director Katie Waldo discuss Democratic and Republican positioning on healthcare ahead of the election. Follow our Special Election Coverage page for all our analysis related to the election and its health policy implications https://mcdermottconsulting2020forecast.splashthat.com/
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss upcoming hearings, COVID-19 relief and the first presidential debate.
This week, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock and Director Rachel Stauffer discuss the Continuing Resolution to fund the government, which passed the House this week and is expected to pass the Senate on Tuesday. Additional legislative action on health policy is unlikely before the election, but what the Lame Duck session looks like is harder to predict.
This week, Rodney and Emma remember the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and discuss the prospects of a continuing resolution to fund the government.
This week, McDermottPlus senior directors Jessica Roth and Christine Song discuss their key takeaways from the Inpatient Prospective Payment System(IPPS) final rule for fiscal year 2021. A full summary of the rule is available here https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/cms-releases-fy-2021-ipps-final-rule/
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the ongoing negotiations over a bill to fund the government past September 30 and the possibility of other policies being included in the deal.
This week in the Breakroom, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock puts his PhD in political science to use and shares his take on election polls and why you shouldn't trust them.
The Healthcare Preview is back! This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the congressional and regulatory agenda for the rest of the fall, and what football means for the election.
This week in the Breakroom, McDermottPlus VP Paul Gerrard and Senior Director Deb Godes discuss the recently released Proposed Rule on Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology and Definition of Medical Necessity. A summary of the rule is available here https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/cms-releases-proposed-rule-on-medicare-coverage-of-innovative-technology-definition-of-medical-necessity/
In the Breakroom this week, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock and Director Rachel Stauffer check in on the state of the presidential election 75 days from election day to discuss the issues driving the race.
In the Breakroom this week, McDermottPlus Senior Directors Deb Godes and Jessica Roth discuss their key takeaways from the 2021 Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System proposed rule. A summary of the rule is available here https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/cms-releases-cy-2021-outpatient-prospective-payment-system-and-ambulatory-surgical-center-payment-system-proposed-rule/
And please join McDermottPlus for a webinar on the 2021 Medicare Physician, Hospital Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgical Center proposed rules on August 18 https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/cy-2021-pfs-opps-asc-proposed-rules-webinar/
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the breakdown in negotiations over another COVID-19 relief bill and the timeline for the next big legislative vehicle on the horizon.
In the Breakroom this week, McDermottPlus VP Sheila Madhani and Director Rachel Stauffer discuss their key takeaways from the 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule. A summary of the rule is available here https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/cms-releases-cy-2021-physician-fee-schedule-proposed-rule/
And please join McDermottPlus for a webinar on the 2021 Medicare Physician, Hospital Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgical Center Proposed Rules on August 18 https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/cy-2021-pfs-opps-asc-proposed-rules-webinar/
This week, Rodney offers an update on the ongoing negotiations over the next COVID-19 relief package, and discusses the latest announcements from HHS on the Provider Relief Fund.
This week in the Breakroom, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock and Directors Katie Waldo and Rachel Stauffer discuss Senate Republicans’ opening bid for the next COVID-19 package.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss President Trump's recently released Executive Orders on drug pricing and the countdown to Congress' August recess.
This week, McDermottPlus VP Mara McDermott and McDermott Will & Emery Partner Jed Spielman discuss the role of private equity in the healthcare industry and how stakeholders can challenge misconceptions of private equity in Congress and the media.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss what to expect from Senate Republicans next COVID-19 relief proposal, and the legislative and regulatory push ahead of the August recess.
This week, McDermottPlus Senior Director Jessica Roth and Director Rachel Stauffer discuss the expansion of telehealth services and flexibilities that has occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, and which changes may last after the pandemic ends.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the latest announcement of funding from the Provider Relief Fund, and what to expect as negotiations over the next COVID-19 relief package heat up.
This week, McDermottPlus VP Mara McDermott and McDermott Will & Emery Partner Lisa Mazur discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic will shape health policy going forward. For an in depth analysis of what comes after the curve, click here https://afterthecurve.mwe.com/?utm_campaign=After%20the%20Curve_Non-Client%20Launch&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua
This week, McDermottPlus VP Sheila Madhani and Senior Directors Deb Godes and Christine Song discuss what they’re watching for from the 2021 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) proposed rules. For more on this subject, click here https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/what-to-watch-for-in-the-2021-pfs-and-opps-proposed-rules/?utm_campaign=What%20to%20Watch%20for%20in%20the%202021%20PFS%20and%20OPPS%20Proposed%20Rules&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the House's upcoming vote on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act and unanswered questions surrounding the Provider Relief Fund.
McDermottPlus VP Mara McDermott and Director Rachel Staffer discuss the two emergency declarations currently in effect due to COVID-19 and their implications for healthcare stakeholders. For more on this topic, click here https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/emergency-declarations-and-waiver-authority/
McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock and Director Rachel Stauffer discuss the week ahead and the status of the national emergency and public health emergency declarations. Find more on the emergency declarations and waiver authority here https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/emergency-declarations-and-waiver-authority/
On this week's episode, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock and Director Katie Waldo break down the latest announcement from HHS on the Provider Relief Fund. For more on the latest distribution, click here https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/hhs-announces-funding-distributions-to-medicaid-providers-and-safety-net-hospitals-and-additional-hotspot-funding/
This week, Rachel Stauffer joins Rodney Whitlock to discuss Wednesday's Senate HELP committee hearing on telehealth flexibilities and last week's announcement from HHS on more distributions from the Provider Relief Fund.
This week, McDermottPlus Vice President Mara McDermott offers an update on CMS payment models and the value-based care movement.
This week, Rodney and Emma welcome Katie Waldo back from maternity leave and discuss the timing of a possible Medicaid-specific distribution from the Provider Relief Fund.
The 2020 presidential election is five months away. On this week’s episode of the Health Policy Breakroom, Rodney Whitlock and Rachel Stauffer discuss how COVID-19 has shifted the dynamics of the race.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the House calendar for the start of the summer and the timing of the next relief package.
This week, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock and Director Rachel Stauffer look back at our 2020 policy forecast from the beginning of the year and consider how things have changed.
This week, McDermottPlus VP Dr. Paul Gerrard gives an update on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the diagnostics industry.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the House passage of the HEROES Act and what it will take for the Senate to pass another relief bill.
This week, McDermottPlus senior directors Jessica Roth and Christine Song discuss their key takeaways from the Inpatient Prospective Payment System(IPPS) proposed rule for fiscal year 2021. A full summary of the rule is available here https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/cms-releases-fy-2021-ipps-proposed-rule/
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the timing of the next COVID-19 relief bill and what factors will shape the compromise.
This week, McDermottPlus VP Mara McDermott gives an update on the value-based care movement and what's to come post COVID-19.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the Senate's return to Washington and the possibility of a Medicaid-targeted distribution from the Provider Relief Fund.
McDermottPlus VP Mara McDermott and Senior Director Jessica Roth get together in the Breakroom to discuss the methodology behind the general distribution portion of the Provider Relief Fund created by the CARES Act.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the next distribution of funding from the provider relief fund created by the CARES Act, and what's next for healthcare providers.
This week, McDermott Will & Emery Public Policy Advisor Erica Stocker joins McDermottPlus Director Rachel Stauffer to discuss the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act, Congress' most recent COVID-19 response bill.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the interim funding deal emerging in Congress and what the President's plan to reopen the country means for healthcare stakeholders.
This week, McDermottPlus VPs Mara McDermott and Rodney Whitlock answer frequently asked questions about the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. Please note that shortly after this episode was recorded, HHS created the portal for providers to attest to the Terms and Conditions if they want to accept their payment from the $30 billion released on April 10. The portal is available here https://covid19.linkhealth.com/#/step/1
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the first wave of funding from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, what comes next for the providers who received the money, and how the rest of the fund may be distributed.
Today, the Department of Health and Human Services distributed the first wave of funding from the $100 billion Public Health and Social Services emergency fund, provided through the CARES Act, in the form of direct payments to Medicare providers. Rodney Whitlock and Rachel Stauffer discuss the details on this episode of the Health Policy Breakroom.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss where things stand ten days after passage of the CARES Act.
This week, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock and Director Rachel Stauffer discuss implementation of the CARES Act and what might be included in a “phase four” COVID-19 relief bill.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss passage of the CARES Act and what comes next for Congress and the Administration. For an in-depth summary of the CARES Act, click here https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/cares-act-summary-covid-19/
This week, McDermottPlus VP Mara McDermott and Director Rachel Stauffer break down the major healthcare provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the third relief and support bill in response to the pandemic. Read our in-depth summary of the Act here https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/cares-act-summary-covid-19/
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss Congress' ongoing work on a third supplemental funding bill in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This week, McDermottPlus VP Rodney Whitlock and Senior Director Jessica Roth discuss the latest developments in the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the emergency funding negotiations taking place in Congress in response to COVID-19 and how healthcare stakeholders should be preparing.
This week, Emma sits down with the newest member of McDermottPlus, Dr. Paul Gerrard, for a conversation about his experience and the advice he has innovators in the diagnostics space.
This week, guest host Jamie Neikrie and Rodney Whitlock discuss what additional supplemental funding Congress may pursue to address the coronavirus outbreak and what it could mean for other healthcare priorities.
This week, Rodney Whitlock and Rachel Stauffer are back in the Breakroom to talk about the super surprise of Super Tuesday and what it means for the rest of the Democratic primary and for health policy.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss what growing fears over the coronavirus mean for local governments and the federal legislative process.
This week, McDermottPlus VP Sheila Madhani and Senior Director Jessica Roth discuss CMS's recent proposed rule making changes to the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement payment model. Click here for a full summary of our main takeaways https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/top-5-takeaways-cms-proposes-to-extend-and-expand-cjr/
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar's testimony on Capitol Hill regarding the President's FY 2021 budget, as well as how the impending May 22 funding deadline for the health extenders will shape policy making.
This week, Rodney Whitlock and Rachel Stauffer are back in the Breakroom to discuss the President's fiscal year 2021 budget and its implications for health policy. For our full analysis of the President's budget, click here https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/analyzing-the-presidents-fy-2021-budget-key-hhs-proposals/
On this episode, McDermottPlus Co-Founder Eric Zimmerman and Director Rachel Stauffer discuss the issue of rural health access and examine ways for stakeholders to engage on the issue this year. For our full 2020 Policy Forecast, click here mcdermottconsulting2020forecast.splashthat.com/
This week, Mara McDermott joins the Healthcare Preview to talk about CMS' announcement last week of its Advance Notice Part II and Medicare Advantage and Part D proposed rule.
This episode, McDermottPlus VPs Mara McDermott and Sheila Madhani discuss the Regulatory Sprint to Coordinated Care, price transparency, and consumer privacy, three areas of focus for the Administration this year. For our full 2020 Policy Forecast, click here mcdermottconsulting2020forecast.splashthat.com/
Could it be Surprise Billing Week? On this episode, Rodney and Emma discuss the House Ways and Means Committee's anticipated surprise billing proposal.
This episode, Mara McDermott and Rodney Whitlock are back to take a look at the 2020 legal landscape and the many health policy issues coming before the courts. For our full 2020 Policy Forecast, click here mcdermottconsulting2020forecast.splashthat.com/
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss two policy developments in the Medicaid space, the recently released Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Rule and an expected proposal from the Trump Administration regarding block grants.
This week, Katie Waldo joins Rodney Whitlock to break down what 2020 has in store for Medicaid reform. For our full 2020 Policy Forecast, click here mcdermottconsulting2020forecast.splashthat.com/
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss Democrats' willingness to deliver President Trump a policy "win," and the Supreme Court's decision not to expedite consideration of the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.
This week, Rodney Whitlock and Rachel Stauffer offer a deep dive into what 2020 has in store for the issues of drug pricing and surprise billing. For our full 2020 Policy Forecast, click here mcdermottconsulting2020forecast.splashthat.com/
This week, Emma and Rodney discuss the impeachment process and what a trial means for legislative action in the Senate.
This week, McDermott+Consulting VPs Mara McDermott and Rodney Whitlock discuss the health policy landscape and offer some predictions about what to expect in 2020. For our full 2020 Policy Forecast, click here https://mcdermottconsulting2020forecast.splashthat.com/
Welcome to 2020! This week, Emma and special guest Mara McDermott discuss what Congress has left to do to really finish up 2019, and how impeachment could slow things down.
Mara McDermott and Jessica Roth are back in the Health Policy Breakroom to talk about Direct Contracting, a new payment model from the CMS Innovation Center. For more analysis of this model, click here https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/direct-contracting-summary/
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the likelihood of a comprehensive end-of-year healthcare package coming together ahead of Friday's government funding deadline and the end of the 2019 legislative session.
This episode, Emma is joined by McDermottPlus senior directors Deb Godes and Jessica Roth to discuss the recently finalized Price Transparency Requirements for Hospitals to Make Standard Charges Public.
This episode, Emma is joined by Mara McDermott and Sheila Madhani to discuss 2020 changes to the Quality Payment Program and the landscape of Advanced Alternative Payment Models.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss how an end-of-year healthcare package could come together and what to pay attention to in Congress's fourth hearing on Medicare for All.
This week, Rodney and Emma talk through Congress' ambitious agenda and tight end-of-year timeline. It will take lots of cooperation to get everything done.
Mara McDermott and Jessica Roth are back in the Health Policy Breakroom to talk about Primary Care First, a new care delivery and payment model from the CMS Innovation Center. For more analysis of this model, click here https://www.mcdermottplus.com/insights/a-closer-look-at-primary-care-first/
This week, Emma and Rodney discuss what to expect when Congress returns from the Thanksgiving recess, and a tasty tip for your holiday meal.
This episode, Emma is joined by McDermott+ Vice President Mara McDermott and Senior Director Jessica Roth to discuss changes in the 2020 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System final rule related to prior authorization and the landscape of utilization management policy more broadly.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the impending government funding deadline and new regulations out of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Introducing the Health Policy Breakroom, a new podcast from McDermott+Consulting! This episode, Emma Zimmerman is joined by McDermott+ Senior Directors Sheila Madhani and Jessica Roth to discuss the 2020 Physician Fee Schedule and Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System final rules. To view accompanying slides with more information on the rules, click here https://www.mcdermottplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/PFS-OPPS-ASC-CY-2020-Final-Rules.pdf.
And stay turned for additional episodes on various provisions of the rules coming soon!
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss how public impeachment hearings add pressure to the already tight end-of-year legislative timeline.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss what to expect when the House returns from recess next week. There is a lot on the agenda, and not a lot of time.
In this special edition podcast, Emma is joined by James Cannatti to discuss two recent proposed rules out of HHS that make changes to major federal fraud and abuse policies. To learn more, please visit www.mwe.com/sprintready.
This week, Emma and Rodney discuss the timeline of moving H.R. 3 to the floor in the House, as well as the "scary" possibility that a ruling in Texas v. Azar could jump out at any moment. Happy Halloween!
This week, Emma and Rodney discuss the House Ways and Means Committee markup of the Lower Drug Costs Now Act as well as CMS Administrator Verma's first appearance before Congress since her confirmation hearing.
This week, Rodney and Emma discuss the Congressional Budget Office score of H.R. 3, Speaker Pelosi's drug pricing proposal, and what it means for the rest of the fall.