Close the Medigap Act of 2023

Draft, Broker Accountability Act (no bill number) - ACA Agent/Broker accountability H.R. 35 - Close the Medigap Act of 2023 - Rep. Doggett, Lloyd - Medigap policies H.R. 3746 - Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 - Rep. McHenry, Patrick - work requirements for federal programs H.R. 3875 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act - Rep. Sherrill, Mikie - Medicare payment for telehealth services H.R. 4411 - Medicare Advantage Integrity Act - Resident Commissioner Gonzalez-Colon, Jenniffer - disparity in MA benchmark rates H.R. 4818 - Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023 - Rep. Wenstrup, Brad -Medicare Coverage of weight loss treatment H.R. 5526 - Seniors' Access to Critical Medications Act of 2023 - Rep. Harshbarger, Diana - exception for physician self-referral H.R. 5584 - Medicaid Third Party Liability Act - Rep. Burgess, Michael - amends Medicaid Third Party liability requirements H.R. 5746 - Addressing Whole Health in Medicare Advantage Act - Rep. Bilirakis, Gus - Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits H.R. 5854 - Medicare Advantage Consumer Protection and Transparency Act - Rep. Porter, Katie - Medicare Advantage organization reporting H.R. 6364 - Medicare Telehealth Privacy Act of 2023 - Rep. Balderson, Troy - Provider privacy provisions for telehealth under Medicare H.R. 6400 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend eligibility for certain payment increases for biosimilar biological products under the Medicare program - Rep. Cardenas, Tony - Medicare payment increase for biosimilars H.R. 6445 - Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2023 - Rep. Bilirakis, Gus - Medicare Audiology Coverage H.R. 7147 - Medicare Transaction Fraud Prevention Act - Rep. Schweikert, David - oversight of payments for medical equipment & clinical DLTs under Medicare H.R. 7148 - Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act - Rep. Smucker, Lloyd - occupational therapy eligibility for home health coverage under Medicare H.R. 7254 - Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act - Rep. Fischbach, Michelle - excludes fully implanted active middle ear hearing devices from the hearing aid coverage exclusion under Medicare H.R. 7274 - Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2024 - Rep. Carey, Mike - outreach, education, and simplify information for family caregivers on Medicare benefits H.R. 7432 - Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act - Rep. Burgess, Michael - enables State Medicaid programs to provide coordinated care through health home to individuals with sickle cell disease H.R. 7512 - Real-Time Benefit Tool Implementation Act - Rep. Arrington, Jodey - implementation of real-time benefit tools under part D of under Medicare H.R. 7573 - Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act - Rep. Schakowsky, Janice - Medicaid Estate Recovery Program H.R. 7619 - Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act - Rep. Neguse, Joe - education, training, recruitment, and retention of mental health and substance use disorder providers under Medicaid and CHIP H.R. 7623 - Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 - Rep. Carter, Earl L. Buddy - makes certain telehealth flexibilities permanent under Medicare H.R. 7856 - Promoting Responsible and Effective Virtual Experiences through Novel Technology to Deliver Improved Access and Better Engagement with Tested and Evidence-based Strategies Act (PREVENT DIABETES Act)- Rep. DeGette, Diana - Medicare, coverage, preventive care, chronic care H.R. 7863 - To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on furnishing behavioral health services via telehealth to individuals with limited English proficiency under Medicare program. - Rep. Steel, Michelle - Medicare, behavioral health, telehealth, accessibility H.R. 7939 - Patient Access to Innovative New Technologies Act of 2024 - Rep. Carey, Mike - Medicare, quality, medical devices, coverage H.R. 8018 - Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act- Rep. Cammack, Kat - review and simplify caregiver paperwork, CHIP, Medicare, Medicaid H.R. 8064 - Help Extend Auditory Relief Act of 2024- Rep. Cartwright, Matt - Medicare coverage of hearing aids H.R. 8075 - Improving Access to Home Dialysis Act of 2024- Rep. Miller, Carol - Medicare coverage of home dialysis H.R. 8115 - To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to allow for the deferral or disallowance of portions of payments for certain managed care violations under Medicaid- Rep. Sarbanes, John - Medicaid managed care payment deferral H.R. 8261 - Preserving Telehealth, Hospital, and Ambulance Access Act- Rep. Schweikert, David - extend flexibilities and payment for Medicare H.R. 8702 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act - Rep. Mike Kelly - prior authorization, transparency, MA S. 838 - Improving Access to Mental Health Act - Sen. Stabenow, Debbie - mental health services in Medicare S. 2880 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act - Sen. Daines, Steve - Medicare payment for telehealth services S. 3573 - Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits Transparency Act- Sen. Warner, Mike - MA, data transparency, supplemental benefits S. 3578 - Protect Medicaid Act - Sen. Cassidy, Bill - prohibits federal payments under Medicaid for noncitizens, requires reporting to HHS of states that provide such health benefits S. 3630 - Medicare Transaction Fraud Prevention Act- Sen. Braun, Mike- pilot program for predictive risk-scoring algorithm, oversight, Medicare S. 3651 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2024- Sen. Cassidy, Bill - Medicare, mental health services, telehealth S. 3766 - Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2024- Sen. Tillis, Thomas - Medicare, outreach and education, caregivers S. 3882 - Helping States Integrate Medicare and Medicaid Act- Sen. Casey, Robert - dual eligibles, quality measures, access, enrollment S. 3934 - Increasing Access to Biosimilars Act of 2023- Sen. Cornyn, John - Medicare drug access S. 3950 - Delivering Unified Access to Lifesaving Services Act of 2024 - Sen. Cassidy, Bill - reforming Integrated Medicare/Medicaid Care Programs for Dually Eligible Individuals S. 4094 - PREVENT DIABETES Act - Sen. Scott, Tim - Medicare, coverage, preventive care, chronic care S. 4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act - Sen. Marshall, Roger - prior authorization, transparency, MA Issues related to mental health and Medicare; Medicare and Medicaid funding; Medicaid expansion; State innovation waivers; Medicaid and CHIP; Medicaid FMAP; Medicare Supplement Coverage; Medicaid Access Final Rule; Medicaid Redeterminations; value of Medicaid Managed Care; Medicare Advantage Health Risk Assessment; coverage of weight loss drugs; and Inflation Reduction Act implementation.

Client expense: $2,390,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Government Accountability Office (GAO), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

ALS Better Care Act (H.R 5663/S.3258) - Discussion around supplemental payment to designated ALS clinics that provide multidisciplinary services to people living with ALS. HELP Copays Act (H.R.830 / S.1375) -- Provisions related to health insurance plans requirement to apply payments made by or on behalf of plan enrollees toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements, i.e. a ban on copay-accumulator adjust programs. Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2023 (H.R.3876) - Provisions related to modernization of Medicare to keep pace with generic and genomic medicine innovation. Improves the ability for practitioners to refer patients to genetic counselors, Provides 85% reimbursement of physicians fee schedule amount for service. Discussion around Telehealth permanence (no bill number) - provisions related to permanent telehealth services in Medicare and interstate telehealth services. Close the Medigap Act (HR 35) -Discussion around Medigap guarantee issue provisions for people living with ALS aged under 65.

Client expense: $25,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R. 35 - Close the Medigap Act of 2023 - Rep. Doggett, Lloyd - Medigap policies H.R. 3746 - Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 - Rep. McHenry, Patrick - work requirements for federal programs H.R. 3875 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act - Rep. Sherrill, Mikie - Medicare payment for telehealth services H.R. 4411 - Medicare Advantage Integrity Act - Resident Commissioner Gonzalez-Colon, Jenniffer - disparity in MA benchmark rates H.R. 5526 - Seniors' Access to Critical Medications Act of 2023 - Rep. Harshbarger, Diana - exception for physician self-referral H.R. 5584 - Medicaid Third Party Liability Act - Rep. Burgess, Michael - amends Medicaid Third Party liability requirements H.R. 5746 - Addressing Whole Health in Medicare Advantage Act - Rep. Bilirakis, Gus - Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits H.R. 5854 - Medicare Advantage Consumer Protection and Transparency Act - Rep. Porter, Katie - Medicare Advantage organization reporting H.R. 6364 - Medicare Telehealth Privacy Act of 2023 - Rep. Balderson, Troy - Provider privacy provisions for telehealth under Medicare H.R. 6400 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend eligibility for certain payment increases for biosimilar biological products under the Medicare program - Rep. Cardenas, Tony - Medicare payment increase for biosimilars H.R. 6445 - Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2023 - Rep. Bilirakis, Gus - Medicare Audiology Coverage H.R. 7147 - Medicare Transaction Fraud Prevention Act - Rep. Schweikert, David - oversight of payments for medical equipment & clinical DLTs under Medicare H.R. 7274 - Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2024 - Rep. Carey, Mike - outreach, education, and simplify information for family caregivers on Medicare benefits H.R. 7432 - Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act - Rep. Burgess, Michael - enables State Medicaid programs to provide coordinated care through health home to individuals with sickle cell disease H.R. 7512 - Real-Time Benefit Tool Implementation Act - Rep. Arrington, Jodey - implementation of real-time benefit tools under part D of under Medicare H.R. 7573 - Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act - Rep. Schakowsky, Janice - Medicaid Estate Recovery Program H.R. 7619 - Expand the Behavioral Health Workforce Now Act - Rep. Neguse, Joe - education, training, recruitment, and retention of mental health and substance use disorder providers under Medicaid and CHIP H.R. 7623 - Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 - Rep. Carter, Earl L. - makes certain telehealth flexibilities permanent under Medicare S. 838 - Improving Access to Mental Health Act - Sen. Stabenow, Debbie - mental health services in Medicare S. 2880 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act - Sen. Daines, Steve - Medicare payment for telehealth services S. 3573- Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits Transparency Act- Sen. Warner, Mike - MA, data transparency, supplemental benefits S. 3578- Protect Medicaid Act - Sen. Cassidy, Bill - prohibits federal payments under Medicaid for noncitizens, requires reporting to HHS of states that provide such health benefits S. 3630- Medicare Transaction Fraud Prevention Act- Sen. Braun. Mike- pilot program for predictive risk-scoring algorithm, oversight, Medicare S. 3651- Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2024- Sen. Cassidy, Bill - Medicare, mental health services, telehealth S. 3766- Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2024- Sen. Tillis, Thomas - Medicare, outreach and education, caregivers S. 3882- Helping States Integrate Medicare and Medicaid Act- Sen. Casey, Robert - dual eligibles, quality measures, access, enrollment S. 3934- Increasing Access to Biosimilars Act of 2023- Sen. Cornyn, John - Medicare drug access S. 3950 - Delivering Unified Access to Lifesaving Services Act of 2024 - Sen. Cassidy, Bill - reforming Integrated Medicare/Medicaid Care Programs for Dually Eligible Individuals Issues related to mental health and Medicare; Medicare and Medicaid funding; Medicaid expansion; State innovation waivers; Medicaid and CHIP; Medicaid FMAP; issues related to Medicare Advantage payment, including Medicare Payment Advisory Commission analyses and the 2025 Advance Rate Notice for MA and Part D; MedPAC analysis of MA payments, MA CY 2025 rate notice; MA risk adjustment; prior authorization in Medicare and Medicaid; MA coverage in rural areas; and issues related to implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, including reform of the Medicare Part D program. Regulatory Issues: Ongoing implementation issues for the Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Part D prescription drug programs, including risk adjustment methodology, network adequacy and provider directories, encounter data and other data-related issues, and risk adjustment data validation (RADV) audit issues including RADV regulation for MA; bidding and payment issues (including MA rate assumptions, MA coding intensity, MA Secondary Payer issues, Part D reinsurance, Part D low income subsidies, Part D direct and indirect remuneration (DIR), and audits); issues related to Medicare for All, Medicare buy-in, reduced Medicare eligibility age, and public option; issues relating to 2024 Rate Notice; issues related to the expiration of Medicaid continuous eligibility and transitions in coverage; issues related to coverage in non-Medicaid Expansion States (e.g., Gap Population); issues related to expanded Medicare fee for service benefits (dental, hearing and vision); issues related to specialty infant formula; issues related to the Inflation Reduction Act implementation; contraceptive coverage and reproductive health; Medicare NCD relating to monoclonal antibodies for treatment of Alzheimers disease; issues related to Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS); issues relating to COVID-19, including testing, vaccines and therapeutics; issues related to the end of the public health emergency, including the Medicaid unwinding; telehealth; issues related to the cost of insulin, including price, copays, rebates, and medical management tools; issues related to health equity; issues related to artificial intelligence; issues related to vaccination; issues related to audio-only telehealth; issues related to addressing the social determinants of health, including housing, transportation, nutrition, educational opportunities, and MA supplemental benefits; issues related to Medicaid presumptive eligibility and continuous eligibility; issues relating to Medicaid best price; in-home health risk assessments; Medicare Medical Loss Ratio issues; issues related to changes to prior authorization regulations or legislation, electronic documentation, and related issues; issues relating to sequestration under the Medicare Advantage and Part D programs; implications of physician fee schedule on MA; application process, audits to evaluate compliance with MA and Part D program rules, benefit design rules, enrollment rules, requirements for notice and denial forms, marketing materials review and approval, marketing activities, including conduct and compensation of brokers and agents and plan sponsor marketing staff; measurement and oversight of plan performance including Special Needs Plans (SNPs); quality measures, grievance and appeals processes, fraud and abuse compliance including training; contracting issues for Dual Eligible SNPs; Federal preemption of State authority under MA and Part D programs, Part D prescription drug event data reporting, Part D formulary rules, Part D pharmacy access standards, Part D coverage gap discount program, including employer group waiver plan (EGWP) issues, and other operational issues; issues raised by Part D coverage of new specialty drugs, the Part D non-interference policy and related issues (e.g., preferred pharmacy and any willing pharmacy requirements, standards for network pharmacy reimbursement, and policies regarding sponsor negotiation of pharmacy price concessions); issues related to the international price index; issues related to child and maternal health; issues related to Medicaid supplemental and disproportionate share hospital (DSH) funding; issues related to Medicaid funding for territories; issues related to medical management; issues relating to MA supplemental benefits; Medication Therapy Management Program requirements and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) Demonstration; MA EGWP issues; CMMI's value based payment models; Part D requirements for offering basic and enhanced alternative plans; MA and Part D systems issues affecting enrollment and disenrollment processing and payment and other operational issues; issues relating to MA and Part D Star Rating system including measures, the methodology for calculating ratings, and the role of the ratings for payment purposes; functionality of the Medicare Personal Plan Finder and Drug Plan Finder; National Medicare Education Program; Medicare demonstration program on performance-based payments for physician groups; physician quality reporting initiative; issues relating to Medicare coverage policy and national coverage decisions; issues relating to MACRA, including implications for MA and Part D plans; Medicare/Medicaid integration for dual eligibles, including implementation of the Capitated Financial Alignment Demonstration and related issues (e.g., quality ratings); issues relating to potential Medicare mental health parity requirements; Medicaid managed care regulations and policies, including the Medicaid managed care actuarial soundness standard, quality oversight, Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC), grievance and appeals processes, fraud and abuse compliance, beneficiary information requirements, treatment of Medicaid health plan member hospital days in the upper payment limit calculation; policies affecting State Medicaid funding, including block grants, the calculation of the federal medical assistance (federal matching) percentage (FMAP), and intergovernmental transfers (IGTs); coordination of benefits with state Medicaid programs; Medicaid prescription drug cost issues affecting Medicaid health plans including issues raised by Medicaid coverage of new specialty drugs; health plan-related Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) issues, including eligibility and outreach issues and CHIP reauthorization; implementation of Medicaid changes made in Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, including Medicaid managed care organization provider tax issues; standards for electronic prescribing; issues related to Medicaid Managed long-term care including home and community-based waiver services (HCBS); expanding the availability of Medicare Advantage and Medicaid health plan telemedicine programs; implications of the new non-discrimination rules for health plans participating in public programs; issues related to Medigap coverage; issues related to business continuity in relation to pandemics or natural events (e.g., hurricane, tornado, etc.); cybersecurity; provider directories; value-based insurance design models; Part D prescriber enrollment requirements; Part D recovery audit contractor programs; issues related to health homes for children with medically complex conditions; socioeconomic status impacts on star ratings related to MA and Part D programs; issues related to private equity ownership transparency; and other issues relating to health care reform implementation.

H.R. 35 - Close the Medigap Act of 2023 - Rep. Doggett, Lloyd - Medigap policies H.R. 3746 - Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 - Rep. McHenry, Patrick - work requirements for federal programs H.R. 3875 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act - Rep. Sherrill, Mikie - Medicare payment for telehealth services H.R. 4411 - Medicare Advantage Integrity Act - Resident Commissioner Gonzalez-Colon, Jenniffer - disparity in MA benchmark rates H.R. 5526 - Seniors' Access to Critical Medications Act of 2023 - Rep. Harshbarger, Diana - exception for physician self-referral H.R. 5584 - Medicaid Third Party Liability Act - Rep. Burgess, Michael - amends Medicaid Third Party liability requirements H.R. 5746 - Addressing Whole Health in Medicare Advantage Act - Rep. Bilirakis, Gus - Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits H.R. 5854 - Medicare Advantage Consumer Protection and Transparency Act - Rep. Porter, Katie - Medicare Advantage organization reporting H.R. 6364 - Medicare Telehealth Privacy Act of 2023 - Rep. Balderson, Troy - Provider privacy provisions for telehealth under Medicare H.R. 6400 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend eligibility for certain payment increases for biosimilar biological products under the Medicare program - Rep. Cardenas, Tony - Medicare payment increase for biosimilars H.R. 6445 - Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2023 - Rep. Bilirakis, Gus - Medicare Audiology Coverage S. 838 - Improving Access to Mental Health Act - Sen. Stabenow, Debbie - mental health services in Medicare S. 2880 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act - Sen. Daines, Steve - Medicare payment for telehealth services Issues related to mental health and Medicare; Medicare and Medicaid funding; Medicaid expansion; State innovation waivers; Medicaid and CHIP; and Medicaid FMAP. Regulatory Issues: Ongoing implementation issues for the Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Part D prescription drug programs, including risk adjustment methodology, network adequacy and provider directories, encounter data and other data-related issues, and risk adjustment data validation (RADV) audit issues including RADV regulation for MA; bidding and payment issues (including MA rate assumptions, MA coding intensity, MA Secondary Payer issues, Part D reinsurance, Part D low income subsidies, Part D direct and indirect remuneration (DIR), and audits); issues related to Medicare for All, Medicare buy-in, reduced Medicare eligibility age, and public option; issues relating to 2024 Rate Notice; issues related to the expiration of Medicaid continuous eligibility and transitions in coverage; issues related to coverage in non-Medicaid Expansion States (e.g., Gap Population); issues related to expanded Medicare fee for service benefits (dental, hearing and vision); issues related to specialty infant formula; issues related to the Inflation Reduction Act implementation; contraceptive coverage and reproductive health; Medicare NCD relating to monoclonal antibodies for treatment of Alzheimers disease; issues related to Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS); issues relating to COVID-19, including testing, vaccines and therapeutics; issues related to the end of the public health emergency, including the Medicaid unwinding; telehealth; issues related to the cost of insulin, including price, copays, rebates, and medical management tools; issues related to health equity; issues related to artificial intelligence; issues related to vaccination; issues related to audio-only telehealth; issues related to addressing the social determinants of health, including housing, transportation, nutrition, educational opportunities, and MA supplemental benefits; issues related to Medicaid presumptive eligibility and continuous eligibility; issues relating to Medicaid best price; in-home health risk assessments; Medicare Medical Loss Ratio issues; issues related to changes to prior authorization regulations or legislation, electronic documentation, and related issues; issues relating to sequestration under the Medicare Advantage and Part D programs; implications of physician fee schedule on MA; application process, audits to evaluate compliance with MA and Part D program rules, benefit design rules, enrollment rules, requirements for notice and denial forms, marketing materials review and approval, marketing activities, including conduct and compensation of brokers and agents and plan sponsor marketing staff; measurement and oversight of plan performance including Special Needs Plans (SNPs); quality measures, grievance and appeals processes, fraud and abuse compliance including training; contracting issues for Dual Eligible SNPs; Federal preemption of State authority under MA and Part D programs, Part D prescription drug event data reporting, Part D formulary rules, Part D pharmacy access standards, Part D coverage gap discount program, including employer group waiver plan (EGWP) issues, and other operational issues; issues raised by Part D coverage of new specialty drugs, the Part D non-interference policy and related issues (e.g., preferred pharmacy and any willing pharmacy requirements, standards for network pharmacy reimbursement, and policies regarding sponsor negotiation of pharmacy price concessions); issues related to the international price index; issues related to child and maternal health; issues related to Medicaid supplemental and disproportionate share hospital (DSH) funding; issues related to Medicaid funding for territories; issues related to medical management; issues relating to MA supplemental benefits; Medication Therapy Management Program requirements and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) Demonstration; MA EGWP issues; CMMI's value based payment models; Part D requirements for offering basic and enhanced alternative plans; MA and Part D systems issues affecting enrollment and disenrollment processing and payment and other operational issues; issues relating to MA and Part D Star Rating system including measures, the methodology for calculating ratings, and the role of the ratings for payment purposes; functionality of the Medicare Personal Plan Finder and Drug Plan Finder; National Medicare Education Program; Medicare demonstration program on performance-based payments for physician groups; physician quality reporting initiative; issues relating to Medicare coverage policy and national coverage decisions; issues relating to MACRA, including implications for MA and Part D plans; Medicare/Medicaid integration for dual eligibles, including implementation of the Capitated Financial Alignment Demonstration and related issues (e.g., quality ratings); issues relating to potential Medicare mental health parity requirements; Medicaid managed care regulations and policies, including the Medicaid managed care actuarial soundness standard, quality oversight, Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC), grievance and appeals processes, fraud and abuse compliance, beneficiary information requirements, treatment of Medicaid health plan member hospital days in the upper payment limit calculation; policies affecting State Medicaid funding, including block grants, the calculation of the federal medical assistance (federal matching) percentage (FMAP), and intergovernmental transfers (IGTs); coordination of benefits with state Medicaid programs; Medicaid prescription drug cost issues affecting Medicaid health plans including issues raised by Medicaid coverage of new specialty drugs; health plan-related Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) issues, including eligibility and outreach issues and CHIP reauthorization; implementation of Medicaid changes made in Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, including Medicaid managed care organization provider tax issues; standards for electronic prescribing; issues related to Medicaid Managed long-term care including home and community-based waiver services (HCBS); expanding the availability of Medicare Advantage and Medicaid health plan telemedicine programs; implications of the new non-discrimination rules for health plans participating in public programs; issues related to Medigap coverage; issues related to business continuity in relation to pandemics or natural events (e.g., hurricane, tornado, etc.); cybersecurity; provider directories; value-based insurance design models; Part D prescriber enrollment requirements; Part D recovery audit contractor programs; issues related to health homes for children with medically complex conditions; socioeconomic status impacts on star ratings related to MA and Part D programs; issues related to private equity ownership transparency; and other issues relating to health care reform implementation.

ALS Better Care Act (H.R. 5663/S.3258) - Discussion around supplemental payment to designated ALS clinics that provide multidisciplinary services to people living with ALS. HELP Copays Act (H.R.830 / S.1375) -- Provisions related to health insurance plans requirement to apply payments made by or on behalf of plan enrollees toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements, i.e. a ban on copay-accumulator adjust programs. Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2023 (H.R.3876) - Provisions related to modernization of Medicare to keep pace with generic and genomic medicine innovation. Improves the ability for practitioners to refer patients to genetic counselors, Provides 85% reimbursement of physicians fee schedule amount for service. Discussion around Telehealth permanence (no bill number) - provisions related to permanent telehealth services in Medicare and interstate telehealth services. Close the Medigap Act (H.R. 35) -Discussion around Medigap guarantee issue provisions for people living with ALS aged under 65.

Client expense: $25,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

HR 35, the Close the Medigap Act; HR 711, the Throw Away Junk Plans Act; HR 3991 / S 1624, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Act; HR 3503 / S 1701, The NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act; S. 2039, The Cancer Drug Parity Act; HR 824, the Telehealth Benefit Expansion Act; HR 2868, the Association Health Plans; HR 2813, Self-Insurance Protection Act; HR 3799, CHOICE Arrangement Act; HR 4363 / S 2213, Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act; S 652, the Safe Step Act; S 1214, the RARE Act; S 2243, the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act; draft legislation regarding Health Care Sharing Ministry transparency; Implementation of the FY23 omnibus, specifically provisions related to increasing access to clinical trials; Implementation of the No Surprises Act; Federal rulemaking related to Short-term Limited Duration Insurance (STLDI) plans; Insurance appeals and denials; Federal rulemaking related to Association Health Plans; Consumer protections related to consumers who will lose insurance due to the end of certain federal Medicaid maintenance-of-effort requirements; Legislation to increase federal investment in Consumer Assistance Programs; FDA draft guidance related to dose optimization studies in clinical trials

Client expense: $150,000 · Firm income: Not reported

H.R. 35 - Close the Medigap Act of 2023 -Rep. Doggett, Lloyd - Medigap policies H.R. 3746 - Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 - Rep. McHenry, Patrick - work requirements for federal programs H.R. 3875 - Expanded Telehealth Access Act - Rep. Sherrill, Mikie -- Medicare payment for telehealth services H.R. 5746 - Addressing Whole Health in Medicare Advantage Act - Rep. Bilirakis, Gus - Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits Ensuring Parity in MA and PACE for Audio-Only Telehealth Act (no bill number) - Medicare Advantage payments for audio-only diagnoses Ensuring Parity in MA for Audio-Only Telehealth Act (no bill number) - coverage of audio-only telehealth services in MA Improving Access to Mental Health Act (no bill number) - mental health services in Medicare Incentivizing Medicaid Expansion Act (no bill number) - Medicaid expansion Medicare Advantage Integrity Act (no bill number) - disparity in MA benchmark rates Medicare Dental Benefit Act (no bill number) - Medicare coverage of dental and oral health services Medicare Sequester COVID Moratorium Act (no bill number) - Medicare sequestration Medicare Sequester Relief Act (no bill number) - Medicare payment sequestration Medicare-X Choice Act (no bill number) - Medicare public option Mental Health Access Improvement Act (no bill number) - Medicare coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor Patient Empowerment Act (no bill number) - Medicaid payment options Protecting Married Seniors from Impoverishment Act (no bill number) - permanent protections against spousal impoverishment Puerto Rico Health Care Fairness, Accountability, and Beneficiary Access Act (no bill number)- Medicaid in Puerto Rico Rural Behavioral Health Access Act (no bill number) - Medicare coverage of outpatient telehealth services Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act (no bill number) - Medicare coverage for critical access hospitals Rural Hospital Support Act (no bill number) - Medicare payments for hospitals RUSH Protection Act (no bill number) - Medicare rural health clinic payments SAME Act (no bill number) - Medicaid expansion SAVE Act (no bill number) - Medicare coverage of transportation services Save Rural Hospitals Act (no bill number) - Medicare hospital payments Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act (no bill number) - Medicaid and CHIP continuous enrollment Stronger Medicaid Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Act (no bill number) - COVID-19 coverage for the uninsured via Medicaid Telehealth Modernization Act (no bill number) - coverage of telehealth services under Medicare Territories Medicare Prescription Drug Assistance Equality Act (no bill number) - Medicare Part D premium and cost-sharing subsidies Territory Federal Matching Requirement Equity Act (no bill number) - Medicaid FMAP for Territories The COVID-19 Hospital and Health Provider Loan Conversion Act (no bill number) - advance payments under parts A and B of Medicare TIKES Act (no bill number) - CHIP To amend the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 to make permanent the Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration (no bill number) - Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove the matching requirement for a territory to use specially allocated Federal funds for Medicare covered part D (no bill number) - Medicare covered part D Treatment in Place Act (no bill number) - Medicare coverage of ambulance services Issues related to 340B regulation; Medicare Advantage Star Ratings; Medicaid and OIG; marketing issues; supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage; mental health and Medicare; Medicare and Medicaid funding; Medicaid expansion; State innovation waivers; Medicaid and CHIP; and Medicaid FMAP. Regulatory Issues: Ongoing implementation issues for the Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Part D prescription drug programs, including risk adjustment methodology, network adequacy and provider directories, encounter data and other data-related issues, and risk adjustment data validation (RADV) audit issues including RADV regulation for MA; bidding and payment issues (including MA rate assumptions, MA coding intensity, MA Secondary Payer issues, Part D reinsurance, Part D low income subsidies, Part D direct and indirect remuneration (DIR), and audits); issues related to Medicare for All, Medicare buy-in, reduced Medicare eligibility age, and public option; issues relating to 2024 Rate Notice; issues related to the expiration of Medicaid continuous eligibility and transitions in coverage; issues related to coverage in non-Medicaid Expansion States (e.g., Gap Population); issues related to expanded Medicare fee for service benefits (dental, hearing and vision); issues related to specialty infant formula; issues related to the Inflation Reduction Act implementation; contraceptive coverage and reproductive health; Medicare NCD relating to monoclonal antibodies for treatment of Alzheimers disease; issues related to Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS); issues relating to COVID-19, including testing, vaccines and therapeutics; issues related to the end of the public health emergency, including the Medicaid unwinding; telehealth; issues related to the cost of insulin, including price, copays, rebates, and medical management tools; issues related to health equity; issues related to vaccination; issues related to audio-only telehealth; issues related to addressing the social determinants of health, including housing, transportation, nutrition, educational opportunities, and MA supplemental benefits; issues related to Medicaid presumptive eligibility and continuous eligibility; issues relating to Medicaid best price; in-home health risk assessments; Medicare Medical Loss Ratio issues; issues related to changes to prior authorization regulations or legislation, electronic documentation, and related issues; issues relating to sequestration under the Medicare Advantage and Part D programs; implications of physician fee schedule on MA; application process, audits to evaluate compliance with MA and Part D program rules, benefit design rules, enrollment rules, requirements for notice and denial forms, marketing materials review and approval, marketing activities, including conduct and compensation of brokers and agents and plan sponsor marketing staff; measurement and oversight of plan performance including Special Needs Plans (SNPs); quality measures, grievance and appeals processes, fraud and abuse compliance including training; contracting issues for Dual Eligible SNPs; Federal preemption of State authority under MA and Part D programs, Part D prescription drug event data reporting, Part D formulary rules, Part D pharmacy access standards, Part D coverage gap discount program, including employer group waiver plan (EGWP) issues, and other operational issues; issues raised by Part D coverage of new specialty drugs, the Part D non-interference policy and related issues (e.g., preferred pharmacy and any willing pharmacy requirements, standards for network pharmacy reimbursement, and policies regarding sponsor negotiation of pharmacy price concessions); issues related to the international price index; issues related to child and maternal health; issues related to Medicaid supplemental and disproportionate share hospital (DSH) funding; issues related to Medicaid funding for territories; issues related to medical management; issues relating to MA supplemental benefits; Medication Therapy Management Program requirements and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) Demonstration; MA EGWP issues; CMMI's value based payment models; Part D requirements for offering basic and enhanced alternative plans; MA and Part D systems issues affecting enrollment and disenrollment processing and payment and other operational issues; issues relating to MA and Part D Star Rating system including measures, the methodology for calculating ratings, and the role of the ratings for payment purposes; functionality of the Medicare Personal Plan Finder and Drug Plan Finder; National Medicare Education Program; Medicare demonstration program on performance-based payments for physician groups; physician quality reporting initiative; issues relating to Medicare coverage policy and national coverage decisions; issues relating to MACRA, including implications for MA and Part D plans; Medicare/Medicaid integration for dual eligibles, including implementation of the Capitated Financial Alignment Demonstration and related issues (e.g., quality ratings); issues relating to potential Medicare mental health parity requirements; Medicaid managed care regulations and policies, including the Medicaid managed care actuarial soundness standard, quality oversight, Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC), grievance and appeals processes, fraud and abuse compliance, beneficiary information requirements, treatment of Medicaid health plan member hospital days in the upper payment limit calculation; policies affecting State Medicaid funding, including block grants, the calculation of the federal medical assistance (federal matching) percentage (FMAP), and intergovernmental transfers (IGTs); coordination of benefits with state Medicaid programs; Medicaid prescription drug cost issues affecting Medicaid health plans including issues raised by Medicaid coverage of new specialty drugs; health plan-related Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) issues, including eligibility and outreach issues and CHIP reauthorization; implementation of Medicaid changes made in Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, including Medicaid managed care organization provider tax issues; standards for electronic prescribing; issues related to Medicaid Managed long-term care including home and community-based waiver services (HCBS); expanding the availability of Medicare Advantage and Medicaid health plan telemedicine programs; implications of the new non-discrimination rules for health plans participating in public programs; issues related to Medigap coverage; issues related to business continuity in relation to pandemics or natural events (e.g., hurricane, tornado, etc.); cybersecurity; provider directories; value-based insurance design models; Part D prescriber enrollment requirements; Part D recovery audit contractor programs; issues related to health homes for children with medically complex conditions; socioeconomic status impacts on star ratings related to MA and Part D programs; issues related to private equity ownership transparency; and other issues relating to health care reform implementation.

HR 35, the Close the Medigap Act; HR 711, the Throw Away Junk Plans Act; HR 3991 / S 1624, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Act; HR 3503 / S 1701, The NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act; S. 2039, The Cancer Drug Parity Act; HR 824, the Telehealth Benefit Expansion Act; HR 2868, the Association Health Plans; HR 2813, Self-Insurance Protection Act; HR 3799, CHOICE Arrangement Act; HR 4363 / S 2213, Comprehensive Cancer Survivorship Act; S 652, the Safe Step Act; S 1214, the RARE Act; The DIVERSE Trails Act (yet to be introduced); The DEPICT Act (yet to be introduced); Implementation of the FY23 omnibus, specifically provisions related to increasing access to clinical trials; Implementation of the No Surprises Act; Federal rulemaking related to Short-term Limited Duration Insurance (STLDI) plans; FDA regulatory action related to the safety of infusion bags of varying sizes; Insurance appeals and denials; Federal rulemaking related to Association Health Plans; Consumer protections related to consumers who will lose insurance due to the end of certain federal Medicaid maintenance-of-effort requirements;

Client expense: $480,000 · Firm income: Not reported

HR 35, the Close the Medigap Act; HR 711, the Throw Away Junk Plans Act; The Gabriella Miller Kids First Act (yet to be introduced); The DIVERSE Trails Act (yet to be introduced); The DEPICT Act (yet to be introduced); The NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act (yet to be introduced); The Cancer Drug Parity Act (yet to be introduced); Implementation of the FY23 omnibus, specifically provisions related to increasing access to clinical trials; Implementation of the No Surprises Act; Federal rulemaking related to Short-term Limited Duration Insurance (STLDI) plans; FDA regulatory action related to the safety of infusion bags of varying sizes; Insurance appeals and denials; Federal rulemaking related to Association Health Plans; Consumer protections related to consumers who will lose insurance due to the end of certain federal Medicaid maintenance-of-effort requirements;

Client expense: $130,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), SENATE, Treasury, Dept of, White House Office