SGR Talks Proceed At Staff Level As Cuts Loom
Senior House staffers discuss a long-term repeal of Medicare's sustainable growth rate formula just weeks before cuts are slated to take effect April 1. Meanwhile, three senators introduce a medical marijuana bill that would enable marijuana businesses to open bank accounts, among other things. Also, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hears input on efforts to speed the drug approval process.
Politico Pro:
House Leadership Staff Talks SGR As Deadline Nears
Senior House staffers are engaged in discussions on long-term repeal of the Sustainable Growth Rate just weeks before the next cuts take effect on April 1. (Haberkorn, 3/10)
The Wall Street Journal:
Investors See Potential Opportunity In Marijuana Reform Bill
When Sens. Cory Booker (D., N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D., N.Y.) and Rand Paul (R., Ky.) announced a bill Tuesday to reform federal marijuana regulation, they pitched it not just as a health, military veteran and states’ rights issue, but from a business angle. And they used words that investors in the developing marijuana industry have been waiting to hear for a long time. (Dunford, 3/10)
CQ Healthbeat:
Efforts To Speed Drug Approvals May Hit Partisan Roadblocks
The Food and Drug Administration says it approves drugs at a faster clip than any other regulatory agency in the world. Some members of Congress want it to be faster – and some are urging it to consider checking its pace. Members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Tuesday asked for input from the heads of both the FDA and the National Institutes of Health to help guide legislation designed to get drugs into patients’ hands more quickly. (Gustin, 3/10)
Also, the Menendez investigation continues -
The Hill:
Former HHS Chief Questioned In Menendez Ethics Probe
The government’s years-long ethic probe into Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) once led investigators to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), its former secretary disclosed Monday. Former HHS chief Kathleen Sebelius said she was questioned by federal investigators, after Menendez privately urged her to intervene in a multi-million billing dispute with his long-time political benefactor Dr. Salomon Melgen. (Ferris, 3/10)
