New GOP Push: Restore OTC Drugs As Eligible For Health Savings Accounts
Meanwhile, a bipartisan bill in the Senate to legalize medical marijuana under federal law is slated for introduction Tuesday. In addition, congressional physicians are seeking accommodations for doctors during the transition to ICD-10 coding and the governor of Oklahoma endorses efforts by some congressional Republicans to soften the impact if the Supreme Court overturns some of the health law's insurance subsidies.
CQ Healthbeat:
New GOP Health Law Target: OTC Drugs And Health Savings Accounts
Rep. Lynn Jenkins is pushing a bipartisan $5 billion change to the health care law that would restore over-the-counter drugs as eligible expenses for health savings accounts. Jenkins, vice chairman of the Republican Conference, predicted broad bipartisan support for her new proposal (HR 1270), co-sponsored by Democrat Ron Kind of Wisconsin. (Ota, 3/9)
Politico:
Paul, Booker, Gillibrand To Introduce Medical Marijuana Bill
Sens. Rand Paul, Cory Booker and Kirsten Gillibrand will introduce on Tuesday a Senate bill that would legalize medical marijuana under federal law, another possible step towards relaxation of once strict policies toward the drug. (Everett, 3/9)
CQ Healthbeat:
Doctors In Congress Ask For Accommodations On Billing Code Deadline
With the medical billing system in the United States on track for a major conversion, physician-lawmakers in Congress are calling for help for doctors whose cash flows may be disrupted during this transition to the ICD-10 codes. There's a drive underway to have the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services offer some accommodations for doctors as an Oct. 1 deadline for the code switchover nears. (Young, 2/9)
The Hill:
GOP Governor Endorses Idea To Extend Obamacare Plans
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) on Monday endorsed an idea put forward by some congressional Republicans to help soften the impact of a Supreme Court ruling against part of Obamacare. (Sullivan, 3/9)