Modern Healthcare Staff Rachel Cohrs Former Reporter/Washington D.C. See All Staff Page Recent Stories HHS extends COVID-19 public health emergency through spring The renewal eliminates the risk of a lapse as the Biden administration takes over. Six healthcare policies Democrats could push with control of the Senate Democrats will have much more latitude to pursue their healthcare agenda with a trifecta government. Congress recalibrates Medicare Physician Fee Schedule after lobbying Specialty physician groups successfully fought to mitigate pay cuts after the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule was released. Some drugmakers may not comply with HHS' 340B opinion on contract pharmacies HHS' advisory opinion doesn't have the force of law and some drugmakers have signaled defiance. HHS says drugmakers must provide 340B discounts to contract pharmacies HHS issued an advisory opinion in support of covered entities. Last-minute talks pushed surprise billing ban across finish line The years-long battle involved mudslinging and big spending by some of Washington's most powerful healthcare industry interests. The chaotic final sprint ended with major capitulations to healthcare providers. COVID-19 surprise billing ban in 2020 may offer lessons for 2022 Providers have demonstrated an ability to comply with a limited ban on balance billing COVID-19 patients as a condition of keeping roughly $125 billion in grant funds. Federal judge delays Trump outpatient drug pay demo A federal judge in Maryland delayed CMS' implementation of its most-favored nation Medicare reimbursement demonstration by 14 days. Congress breaks two-decade freeze on new Medicare GME slots Congress authorized Medicare to support 1,000 new GME slots in its year-end legislative package. Senate passes bill to repeal insurers' federal antitrust enforcement immunity The bill allows the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission to regulate health insurance markets. Congress to ban surprise bills, include provider grant fix in year-end deal Lawmakers on Monday released details of major COVID-19 relief and government funding legislation, including many provisions important to the healthcare industry. Judge to decide soon whether CMS outpatient drug pay demo must temporarily stop The most-favored nation demonstration that would cut provider reimbursement for Medicare Part B drugs is supposed to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2021. Lawmakers left hospital, insurer contract guardrails out of year-end proposal Eight lawmakers that lead key committees didn't ask to curb gag clauses or various types of clauses that would make it difficult for plans to steer consumers to lower-cost or higher-quality providers. Insurers concerned Biden administration could mean more testing costs Some insurers are concerned that the Biden administration could overturn Trump-era guidance that limited their testing liability. Health policy leaders urge Biden to support 'vulnerable communities' Modern Healthcare on Dec. 9 held a virtual town hall with four healthcare policy leaders to get their perspectives on the most pressing issues facing the new administration. Load More Sponsored Content