Federal Health Policy Roundup: Lab Payment Cuts, NIH Grant Review, Medicaid Drug Model
The federal health policy roundup for September 18-24 covers planned CMS reductions in Medicare clinical laboratory payments, a possible White House role in NIH grant decisions that the administration may abandon, and nationwide participation in a CMS model to lower prices for selected Medicaid-covered drugs. It also notes new executive actions tightening oversight of the H-1B visa program and imposing a $100,000 fee on certain H-1B petitions.
The roundup covers three main federal health moves: planned reductions in Medicare payments for clinical laboratories, possible White House involvement in NIH grant decisions, and nationwide state participation in a CMS model aimed at lowering prices for certain Medicaid-covered drugs. It also notes new executive actions on H-1B visas, including tighter interagency oversight and a $100,000 petition fee for certain entrants.
On NIH, the administration may drop an executive order that would move grant and merit-review authority to the White House. Senator Susan Collins raised concerns that a new review committee could weaken peer review required by lawmakers. Separately, 25 state attorneys general opposed CMS limits on provider taxes used to fund Medicaid, and MACPAC submitted comments on a CMS proposal.
The lab payment cuts could affect laboratories’ finances and, indirectly, access to testing. Changes to NIH grant review may influence research funding decisions and the scientists who depend on them. The Medicaid drug model and provider-tax dispute may shape state budgets and beneficiary access. H-1B restrictions and fees could affect employers and foreign workers in health-related fields.