Government Funding Bill Fails
A government shutdown is coming closer to reality. A stop gap funding measure through November 21 passed the House on a vote of 217-212 but failed to achieve 60 votes in the Senate. Almost all Democrats and two Republicans voted together and the bill failed in the upper chamber by a vote of 44-48. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, PA, voted with most Republicans in favor, while GOP Sens. Lisa Murkowski, AK, and Dr. Rand Paul, KY, voted with Democrats. If both Republicans had voted with their party, Vice President JD Vance could have cast a tie-breaking vote.
The House is expected to be out until two days before funding expires but may now have to come back early. The measure included many critical healthcare funding and policy extensions.
Additional articles: https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-regulation/telehealth-medicaid-dsh-stopgap-funding-bill/ and https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5512606-government-shutdown-senate-funding-bill/
(Some articles may require a subscription.)
#governmentshutdown #congress #ffy2026 #healthcare
Studies Project Impact On Hospitals From One Big Beautiful Bill
Two new studies outline the financial fallout expected for hospitals due to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). A Commonwealth Fund analysis estimates U.S. hospitals in Medicaid expansion states will see annual operating margins drop 0.4-0.5 percentage points in 2027 (from 3.6%) due to mandatory Medicaid work requirements and other coverage changes that will lead to lost enrollment. That reflects a $10.9 billion to $12.4 billion reduction in total operating revenue (a 0.9% to 1.0% decline) and a $5.5 billion to $6.3 billion drop in total operating costs (a 0.5% decline). A major increase in uncompensated care is expected.
Safety-net hospitals would be among the worst affected. Rural hospitals also could take a significant hit.
Last, healthcare policy group has an analysis of premium increases if the enhanced premium subsidies expire in the Exchanges.
Additional articles: https://www.modernhealthcare.com/providers/mh-medicaid-work-requirements-hospital-margins/ and https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/premium-payments-if-enhanced-premium-tax-credits-expire/
(Some articles may require a subscription.)
#budgetreconciliation #obbba #medicaid #coverage #hospitals #exchanges
— Marc S. Ryan
