Welcome to Policy Playground
Your one-stop platform for healthcare advocacy. Here you can stay informed about the bills before the Senate, and write your senators
NOVEMBER 2024
⋆
NOVEMBER 2024 ⋆
The Affordable Insulin Now Act of 2023 aims to cap the monthly cost of insulin at $35 for both insured and uninsured patients. It mandates that private insurance plans cover at least one insulin type per form (vial, pen) and establishes a program to reimburse healthcare providers for providing low-cost insulin to uninsured patients. The goal is to reduce long-term healthcare costs and prevent diabetes-related complications. Learn more…
Senate Bill 3765 seeks to amend the Public Health Service Act to extend funding for the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program through 2029. The bill proposes annual funding of $24.3 million from 2025 to 2029, up from the previous amount of $22.3 million per year (2020-2024). This legislation aims to continue improving pediatric emergency care nationwide. Learn more…
The bill aims to enhance primary healthcare access, improve workforce capacity, and manage healthcare costs. It proposes expanding funding for community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, and teaching health centers. It includes provisions for training and funding telehealth initiatives and schools. It also addresses healthcare affordability by banning specific anticompetitive contract terms, improving billing transparency, and prohibiting specific facility fees for telehealth and other services. Learn more…
The bill aims to expand Medicare coverage for obesity treatments, including anti-obesity medications (AOMs) under Medicare Part D. It also requires Medicare to reassess its coverage of "Intensive Behavioral Therapy" (IBT) for obesity to enhance treatment options through diet and exercise interventions. The legislation aims to mitigate obesity's impact on public health by reducing long-term healthcare costs associated with obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Learn more…
The act aims to improve healthcare affordability through enhanced price transparency and changes to Medicare payment structures. It mandates that healthcare providers, insurers, and pharmacy benefit managers publicly disclose pricing information, including rates, rebates, and out-of-pocket costs, to allow patients to compare prices. The bill also proposes equal reimbursement rates across healthcare settings and increased funding for community health centers and other safety net programs. Learn more…
House Bill 6918 aims to prevent the Department of Health and Human Services from restricting funding for pregnancy centers. Specifically, it prohibits implementing or enforcing regulations that could limit financial support to these centers. The bill defines pregnancy centers as organizations that support both mothers and unborn children, offering services such as prenatal education, counseling, pregnancy testing, and material assistance like baby supplies. Learn more…
The bill aims to reauthorize and expand initiatives targeting substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery through 2028. It maintains programs that provide support for individuals affected by substance use disorders, including Medicaid coverage for medication-assisted treatment. It includes measures for training first responders, addressing the opioid crisis, and enhancing treatment services for pregnant and postpartum women. Learn more…
The bill aims to strengthen cybersecurity within the healthcare and public health sectors. It mandates collaboration between the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services to enhance security measures, provide technical support, and share threat information with healthcare organizations. The bill emphasizes protecting patient data, especially for smaller healthcare providers. Learn more…
The bill focuses on improving pediatric cancer treatment by amending the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to support clinical trials of new drug combinations. It aims to enhance the development of molecularly targeted therapies for pediatric cancers, ensuring that studies are designed to yield meaningful clinical outcomes for young patients. It also extends priority review vouchers for rare pediatric diseases to encourage pharmaceutical companies to develop treatments. Learn more…
The bill aims to amend Medicare rules to allow physicians to deliver medications by mail or courier, or for a caregiver to pick them up, without violating the Stark Law. It seeks to restore flexibility that was available during the COVID-19 public health emergency, making it easier for seniors to access critical outpatient drugs like cancer medications. The bill has passed the House and is currently under review in the Senate. Learn more…
House Bill 2706, the "Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act," prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in organ transplant decisions. It requires transplant centers to consider support networks and reasonable accommodations, ensuring that people with disabilities receive fair access to transplants. The bill aims to prevent discriminatory practices solely based on disability, providing equal opportunities for life-saving procedures. Learn more…
The bill aims to extend the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program through 2028, allocating $12.6 million annually. The bill supports National Institutes of Health research initiatives focused on pediatric cancer and rare childhood diseases. It is named after Gabriella Miller, a young cancer advocate, to emphasize the need for sustained funding for pediatric medical research. Learn more…
The "SPEAK Act of 2024," aims to enhance healthcare access for non-English speakers by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a task force focused on improving healthcare information technology and telehealth services. The bill also promotes language support services to improve communication and patient education for individuals with limited English proficiency. Learn more…
The act extends funding and programs to enhance research, education, and interventions addressing preterm birth. It aims to improve outcomes for premature infants and support maternal health efforts, focusing on identifying causes, prevention strategies, and long-term care for infants born prematurely. Learn more…
The act aims to improve access to diabetes self-management training (DSMT) for Medicare beneficiaries. It seeks to include coverage for virtual DSMT services to enhance patient education and diabetes care outcomes. The bill also calls for pilot programs to test the effectiveness of virtual diabetes education in reducing healthcare costs and improving health outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. Learn more…
This act requires state Medicaid programs to perform quarterly verification of beneficiary eligibility, including cross-checking against the Death Master File to prevent benefits being provided to deceased individuals. The bill aims to enhance Medicaid program integrity and reduce improper payments. It passed the House and is currently under review in the Senate. Learn more…
This bill aims to reduce fall-related injuries by establishing a National Falls Prevention Plan. It creates an advisory committee within the Department of Health and Human Services to oversee federal efforts in falls prevention. The bill emphasizes research, improved safety measures, and home modifications like grab bars to reduce falls. It seeks to improve quality of life for seniors while lowering healthcare costs associated with fall-related injuries. Learn more…
Senate Bill SB4357 aims to enhance access to oral health care for vulnerable and underserved populations. It focuses on expanding dental services, increasing funding for oral health programs, and improving workforce development. The bill seeks to address disparities in dental care access by supporting community health centers and incentivizing dental professionals to serve in high-need areas. Learn more…
Senate Bill SB4671 aims to limit cost sharing for prescription drugs. It focuses on reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients by capping copayments and deductibles associated with prescription medications. The bill seeks to alleviate the financial burden on individuals by making essential drugs more affordable and accessible. Learn more…
Senate Bill SB4782 aims to enhance access to exercise and fitness resources for individuals with disabilities. It focuses on increasing the availability of adaptive exercise equipment and fitness classes tailored to diverse needs. The bill also promotes training for fitness professionals to better support people with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can participate in and benefit from physical activity. Learn more…
Senate Bill SB4504 aims to increase public awareness of type 1 diabetes screening. It focuses on promoting early detection, educating the public on symptoms and risk factors, and encouraging regular screening for high-risk individuals. The bill seeks to improve patient education by supporting healthcare providers with resources and working with advocacy groups like Breakthrough T1D to maximize outreach efforts. Learn more…