HR 6344, the Simon Crosier Act, requires Medicare and Medicaid providers to establish written policies for do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders involving unemancipated minors (under 18 without legal independence). It mandates that providers must inform at least one parent or legal guardian in person or by phone (with 72 hours of effort) before considering a DNR, allow parents/guardians to refuse consent, and prohibit overriding parental objections to life-sustaining treatment. The bill also requires providers to continue life-sustaining care for 15 days if a parent requests a transfer and explicitly prohibits using disability as the sole basis for DNR decisions. These requirements apply to all Medicare/Medicaid-covered facilities and directly affect minors, their parents, and healthcare providers.
HR 6283, the DRUG Act, regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to prevent practices that may increase prescription drug costs for consumers. The bill prohibits PBMs from earning revenue based on drug prices or discounts, requiring them to charge flat dollar service fees instead of fees tied to drug costs. It bans PBMs from steering patients to pharmacies they own or control, mandates equal reimbursement for affiliated and non-affiliated pharmacies, and prohibits charging different fees for the same drug. These provisions apply to group health plans, health insurance issuers, and PBMs, with enforcement beginning for plan years starting January 1, 2026. Violations would result in $10,000 daily penalties and require disgorgement of improperly received payments.
The Maximum Pressure Act (HR 6114) is a legislative proposal that would maintain and expand U.S. sanctions against Iran. The bill would codify existing sanctions, require Iran to meet 12 specific conditions before sanctions could be lifted (including ending support for terrorism, releasing hostages, and ending nuclear enrichment), and expand sanctions on Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and missile programs. It also establishes new reporting requirements for the U.S. government to monitor Iran's activities and the impact of sanctions. The legislation would require congressional review before any sanctions could be lifted or modified, preventing the executive branch from unilaterally easing restrictions.
This bill amends Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance rules to improve coverage for drugs treating rare diseases (defined as conditions affecting 200,000 or fewer people in the U.S.). It requires coverage for rare disease drug uses supported by peer-reviewed medical literature and not listed as contraindicated in FDA labeling or medical reference guides. Private insurers must provide expedited review processes for denials of such drugs. The changes apply 30 days after enactment, affecting insurers and patients seeking coverage for rare disease treatments.
The Revoke Iranian Funding Act of 2023 would cancel all existing U.S. licenses and exemptions allowing funds to be released to Iran for humanitarian purposes, including a $6 billion transfer from South Korea. It also rescinds a specific waiver issued in September 2023 that permitted such transfers. The bill requires the Treasury to submit a 30-day report to Congress detailing Iranian assets blocked by the U.S. and current sanctions exemptions related to Iran. This legislation directly restricts U.S. financial access for Iran and its designated entities, aiming to prevent funds from being diverted to support terrorism.
The Drug-price Transparency for Consumers Act of 2023 would require pharmaceutical companies to include the standard list price (wholesale acquisition cost) for a 30-day supply in direct-to-consumer advertisements for drugs covered by Medicare or Medicaid. It exempts low-cost drugs priced under $35 for a 30-day supply and mandates that the price be displayed clearly in ads. Manufacturers failing to comply could face civil penalties of up to $100,000 per violation, with regulations to be established within one year of enactment. The bill aims to provide consumers with upfront price information to help them compare costs before discussing treatment options with healthcare providers.
This bill, titled "Freezing HAMAS Act" (though it concerns Iran sanctions, not Hamas), reinstates U.S. sanctions on Iran that were previously waived or suspended under agreements with Iran. It specifically targets sanctions from the 2012 Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act and the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, including a September 2023 waiver related to fund transfers. The bill prohibits the U.S. government from releasing funds or assets to Iran or granting further waivers related to these sanctions. It directly affects U.S. government actions regarding Iran financial transactions and enforcement of existing sanctions.
HR 5840, the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act of 2024, simplifies the process for transportation workers to obtain multiple TSA security credentials. It requires the TSA to allow individuals to apply for and renew programs like the TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) and HAZMAT Endorsement through a single enrollment at any TSA center, with a combined fee lower than separate applications. The bill mandates coordinated expiration dates for all credentials and ensures state-issued commercial driver's licenses reflect the correct HAZMAT endorsement validity. These changes aim to reduce duplication and costs for workers needing multiple security clearances. The TSA must implement these changes within two years and publish details online.
HR 5819, the COMPLETE Care Act, incentivizes Medicare primary care providers to integrate behavioral health services by increasing payments for specific services (like mental health and substance use disorder support) during 2025-2027. Providers using designated HCPCS codes for integrated care would receive 125-175% of standard payment rates, with the percentage declining annually. The bill also requires these providers to report on integration quality measures and mandates technical assistance for practices adopting integrated models, funded through new appropriations for 2024-2027. It directly affects Medicare-participating primary care practices serving beneficiaries needing mental health or substance use services.
The Veterans HSA Access Act of 2023 changes IRS rules to allow veterans who receive certain veterans benefits (like disability compensation) but do not have a service-connected disability to contribute to health savings accounts (HSAs). This removes a current barrier preventing these veterans from using HSAs to pay for qualified medical expenses. The policy change applies to tax years starting after December 31, 2025, meaning it will take effect in 2026. It directly affects veterans with non-service-connected health issues who currently cannot use HSAs despite qualifying for other veterans' benefits.
This bill, HR 5796, prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from implementing a proposed rule requiring minimum staffing levels in nursing homes. It creates an advisory panel of 15 members - including rural nursing home staff and experts - to study workforce shortages and report on access barriers for seniors, especially in rural areas. The panel must submit an initial report within 60 days, analyzing staffing challenges and recommending solutions to strengthen the nursing home workforce. These provisions directly aim to prevent nursing home closures (like the 129 that occurred in 2022) that threaten rural seniors’ access to care.
This bill establishes an Agricultural Trade Enforcement Task Force to address foreign trade barriers harming U.S. agricultural exports, specifically targeting India's WTO-violating price support programs for rice, wheat, and other commodities. The Task Force, led by the U.S. Trade Representative and Agriculture Department, must identify systemic trade barriers, develop enforcement strategies, and file a WTO dispute against India within 60 days of consultations if needed. It requires quarterly reports to Congress on progress, including a specific plan to challenge India's subsidies that exceed WTO limits (e.g., rice supports at 93.9% of production value). The bill directly affects U.S. farmers, ranchers, and exporters who face market access barriers due to these foreign subsidies.
