WHITE HOUSE:

Over the last week, the White House issued a new “National Security Presidential Memorandum” to strengthen the cybersecurity defense of the National Security Systems, signed a new Proclamation that allow for commercial fishing in the Pacific,  and they issued a roundup of recent positive economic developments. One item of indirect interest:

• The First Lady announced the launch a new program called “Fostering the Future Account”, designed to create a new savings vehicle for foster youth. Authorized by the OBBBA, these accounts would be created by states in conjunction with the Department of the Treasury. It’s yet another way that the OBBBA has changed social policy.

CONGRESS:

With little fanfare, the House passed, and the President signed, Reconciliation 2.0, which funds immigration enforcement through 2029. With the proverbial ink on the signature still wet, the President called for Reconciliation 3.0. Despite both the President’s and House leadership pushing for it, the Senate appears very cool to the idea. Reconciliation 2.0 was very narrowly tailored and still an absolute slog. Getting a third through, especially one with lofty policy goals, would be an uphill battle as we draw closer to the midterms. Elsewhere in the political world:

• The “Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act” a bill introduced by Rep. Mike Kelly (R – PA) that would reform the prior authorization process, crossed the 290-cosponsor threshold. This is an important number as it allows legislation to be placed on the consensus calendar and be fast-tracked. This is the second time this legislation has hit the number, although there’s more optimism this time around.

  
  

• Halfway through primary season, Roll Call took stock of where we stand and recognized that the President’s endorsement reigns supreme, at least in primaries.  

  
  

• Conservative members of the GOP are making real noise about the best way to regulate AI, pushing back against the White House’s efforts.

  
  

• Democrats are cautiously optimistic about taking back the Senate.

  
  

• SuperPAC spending in elections continues to rise, although they’re using delaying tactics to prevent disclosure till after races are decided.

  
  

• A little far afield, but the CRS explored how the FDA is approaching regulating AI-enabled devices.

  
  

AGENCIES:

The OIG at HHS released a pair of reports on MA that highlighted a problem that providers are familiar with: the ongoing pattern of denials by MA plans for seniors. They released a finding that nearly over 95% of all denials for post-acute stay was overturned on appeal.

The full report is here (PDF) and the summary is here (PDF). They also found that the three largest MA plans issued denials at the highest rates among all MA plans. The full report is here (PDF) and the summary is here (PDF).

The reports were picked up by many of the major news outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, the NY Times, and the Washington Post.

CMS issued a new proposed rule that would create a permanent framework for the Medicare Drug Pricing program. The rule is scheduled to be published to the Federal Register on June 16^th, but if you’re looking for some light reading, a prepublication copy of the 434-page rule can be accessed here (PDF).  A fact sheet on the rule is here (PDF). A timeline of the next steps, through 2029, is here (PDF).

CMS released a final rule that creates new oversight standards for accrediting organizations. A fact sheet is here. The rule is scheduled to be published to the Federal Register on June 16^th, but you can access a prepublication copy of the 326-page rule here (PDF).

While wonky, CMS released new guidance for states on how they can structure their Medicaid section 1115 waivers following OBBBA. States often use the 1115 waiver to test out new policies and ideas for their Medicaid programs. A copy of the guidance can be found here (PDF).

HHS announced the creation of a new federal “Elder Justice Action Plan” that is designed to protect seniors from many of the scams that target the elderly. The plan is here (PDF). The central website for the Elder Justice Coordinating Council is here.

HHS announced the launch of a new streamlined procurement vehicle for “modern grants management”.

HHS, via SAMHSA, announced the award of $40 million in funding for addiction, and mental health services, mainly targeting grant programs aimed at younger adults.

The VA continues to roll out their new federal EHR for VA facilities, announcing the deployment to a second wave of facilities this year, following a year-long pause on the rollout.

ARPA-H announced the launch of a new effort to tackle brain injuries, called the Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS) initiative.

The Administration warned more than 500 hospitals that they need to step up their efforts to comply with price transparency laws.

FROM THE NOTEBOOK:

• Ohio’s mandamus saga nears an end as the Legislature sent HB 479, authorizing payment of the state’s outstanding debt to SNF’s (among many other provisions) to the Governor’s desk, where it awaits signature.

  
  

• KFF released their yearly look into Medicare’s Part D program, along with a deep dive into how MA affects the program.

  
  

• They also published a useful new tracker that keeps an eye on mental health policies under the current Administration.

  
  

• No details yet, but Optum and the FTC are getting closer to a settlement of the FTC’s PBM lawsuit.

  
  

• Following the federal government’s crackdown in Minnesota, the state released an update (PDF) on their efforts. It’s having a serious impact on all providers in the 13 high-risk categories.

  
  

• Virginia is reorganizing its nursing scholarship programs after it found that the state’s Health Department isn’t doing a good job managing the program.

  
  

• A new study looks at how the shift to PDPM is changing SNF admissions and care delivery patterns.

  
  

• A fresh look at Washington Cares, the state’s new public option for long-term care insurance.