- The House Republican health bills would extend the reach of “health savings accounts,” which are tax-preferred vehicles for self-funding medical expenses, and repeal or delay two unpopular taxes imposed to help pay for the benefits included in the Affordable Care Act. Those taxes on health insurers and medical device makers have been delayed by Congress in the past.
- The administration’s startling about-face to continue the risk-adjustment payments to insurance companies is easing concerns about those firms participating in the ACA’s marketplaces next year. The program, which does not use federal funds, is designed to take payments from insurers who have fewer high-cost members than expected and give it to plans that see heavier costs than expected.
- Federal Medicaid officials have reopened public comments on a plan to implement work requirements for adults who gained coverage under Kentucky’s expansion program. Officials say that effort may satisfy the concerns expressed by a judge who threw out the work requirements earlier.
- The Trump administration announced that it will study some limited uses of drug imports to lower prescription costs. It is part of a promise by the president to help keep drug prices in check.
[Correction: This story was updated at 3 p.m. ET on July 26 to correct information about the tax on health insurers. That tax is in effect for 2018.]
