The Senate and House voted Monday to pass a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through Feb. 8. President Trump signed the CR which effectively ends the government shutdown allowing federal programs and workers to return to work on Tuesday and provides time for continued negotiations on unresolved issues including immigration and other budgetary priorities.
The legislation also included funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for six years and rolls back a number of health care taxes, namely an extension of the moratorium on medical device excise tax; suspension of the annual fee of health insurance providers; and delay in implementation of excise tax on high cost employer sponsored health coverage known as the Cadillac tax.
We remain focused on the list of health care issues that continue to be in “limbo” as a result of the funding debate including: Eliminating reductions in 340B payments; delaying cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments for two years; extending important Medicare programs for rural hospitals; and preventing hospice cuts.
To review the full CR click here.
