ADMINISTRATION OUTLINES FEDERAL RESPONSE TO LONG COVID
August 22, 2022
Latest Advocacy News
- The Biden administration recently released two reports: Services and Supports for Longer-Term Impacts of COVID-19 and the National Research Action Plan on Long COVID. These reports provide critical details relating to the federal response to “long COVID” i.e., post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). The AAN recently led a letter, supported by 75 other national and state organizations, to congressional leaders urging them to convene hearings to explore potential solutions relating to PASC. The AAN will continue to engage with policymakers to enhance the available body of knowledge and ensure that the neurologic impacts remain at the forefront of the discussion.
- The Biden administration has promised to give at least 60 days' notice before allowing the public health emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 to expire. As of Sunday, August 14, that 60-day threshold has passed meaning that the PHE is expected to be extended again into January of 2023.
Issue in Focus
This August, Congress passed historic legislation to address the high costs of prescription drugs (in addition to other provisions ranging from climate change to corporate tax rates). Signed into law on August 16, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is a significant achievement in addressing high drug costs within Medicare. This new law contains several priorities the AAN has tirelessly championed through countless meetings with individual members of Congress, several Neurology on the Hill events in Washington, numerous comment letters and coalition messages, and much more.
- For the first time, allow the US government to negotiate drug prices under Medicare Parts B and D
- Lower Part D out-of-pocket costs to a maximum of $2,000 annually for Medicare beneficiaries
- Limit future increases in the cost of Medicare medications to the rate of inflation
- Extend temporary subsidies for the Affordable Care Act health care exchanges for three years, making coverage significantly more affordable for many
What We're Reading
- The Joint Commission to Add Health Equity Standards to Accreditations (Modern Healthcare)
- Physician Assistant Role Sees Record Growth (Modern Healthcare)
- Community Health Centers’ Big Profits Raise Questions About Federal Oversight (KHN)