capitol hill report: NEW CONGRESS BRINGS A SHIFT IN LEADERSHIP TO DC
January 12, 2021
The AAN unreservedly stands in strong support for a peaceful transfer of power and implementation of measures to ensure the health and safety of all individuals working at the US Capitol. Violence cannot be tolerated. We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Washington, DC.
New Congress Brings a Shift in Leadership to DC
New Congress Update
The 117th Congress gaveled into session on January 3. Democrats will maintain a very slim majority in the House of Representatives. With the win of two additional Democratic seats in the Georgia Senate runoff races, the Senate will now be a 50-50 split between the Democrats and Republicans. As president of the Senate, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris will become the deciding 51st vote to break any tie.
While the start of a new congress and administration is usually filled with housekeeping legislation to set the rules and committee composition, House Democrats have filed an article of impeachment against President Trump. A vote is expected this week. While we do not yet know the full impact these events will have, it is clear the policy agenda in Washington will not advance along the same pathway expected just a week ago. The AAN will be closely monitoring this situation and reassessing how to ensure AAN priorities are heard at the appropriate time.
We know that you, our readers, are processing these events too, if you’d like to share your reaction, please reach out to us at advocacy@aan.com.
Applications for Neurology on the Hill 2021 are Now Open!
2021 Neurology on the Hill will be a virtual event on May 19, 2021. Share your passion for making a positive change and educate members of Congress on issues impacting neurology. Learn more about Neurology on the Hill. Applications will be open until February 26.
Update of Most Favored Nation Model
On December 17, the AAN submitted comments in opposition to an interim final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that would implement a new payment model for Medicare Part B drugs, known as the “Most Favored Nation” (MFN) model. This new payment model was scheduled to be implemented on January 1, 2021, and will reimburse 50 Medicare Part B drugs that encompass a high percentage of Medicare Part B drug spending at levels that are aligned with the lowest price paid by peer countries and will make modifications to the existing add-on payment methodology. If implemented, the new model will be mandatory and apply to providers nationwide, unless they fall under a narrow set of exceptions or are granted a financial hardship exemption. On December 23, a temporary restraining order was issued, delaying implementation of the MFN model. On December 28, in a parallel case, the MFN rule was vacated in its entirety pending completion of the notice and comment process. Due to ongoing litigation, it is possible that the model is never implemented as currently constructed. The AAN will continue to closely monitor the litigation as it proceeds.
AAN Supports Proposed Changes Aimed at Reducing Prior Authorization Burden
On December 29, the AAN submitted comments in response to a proposed rule from CMS that will implement new requirements on Medicaid and CHIP managed care plans, state Medicaid and CHIP fee-for-service programs, and Qualified Health Plans (QHP) issuers on the Federally-facilitated Exchanges (FFEs) with the goal of improving the electronic exchange of health care data and streamlining processes related to prior authorization (PA). The AAN’s comments are highly supportive of these changes as several of the new proposed requirements are consistent with the AAN’s advocacy on this issue. The AAN’s comments also urged the agency to extend the changes to Medicare Advantage and to Part D drugs.