NE Washington News

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered opening remarks at the Full Committee markup of 13 health bills on June 12, 2024.

“Today the Committee on Energy and Commerce is taking action on 13 bipartisan bills from the health subcommittee to improve the health and wellbeing of the American people,” said Rodgers.

She acknowledged Mr. James’s first full committee markup, noting his contributions: “I know he’s hit the ground running on our committee and has a bill on the agenda today. I’m thankful for his contributions.”

Rodgers highlighted several key areas of focus:

**Supporting Mothers and Children**

“A number of bills today continue the important work of the committee to support moms and children,” she stated. The Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act aims to facilitate access to specialty care for children enrolled in Medicaid. Rodgers emphasized its importance given innovations in cell and gene therapies.

The SHINE for Autumn Act, which previously passed both committee and House floor, seeks to prevent stillbirths. Rodgers expressed gratitude towards Debbie Haine for her advocacy, stating, “This bill is named after her daughter Autumn Joy... We are honored to remember Autumn today.”

Rodgers also supported reauthorization of the Autism CARES Act, led by Representative Chris Smith, which continues HHS-wide programs for autism research.

The HOLD Act by Representative Obernolte supports living organ donors. Additionally, Rodgers mentioned prioritizing reauthorization of the pediatric rare disease priority review voucher program at FDA before its September 30th expiration.

**Improving Medicaid Program Integrity**

Four bills aim to enhance Medicaid program integrity by reducing improper payments. These include timely disenrollment of deceased beneficiaries from Medicaid. “Bills that require timely disenrolling of deceased beneficiaries from Medicaid may seem obvious, but the Office of Inspector General continues to find it is an issue,” said Rodgers.

**Strengthening Telehealth & Senior Access to Care**

Rodgers highlighted efforts to assist seniors in accessing healthcare through site-neutral reforms as part of the Lower Cost, More Transparency Act. She noted legislation by Ms. Harshbarger that would allow seniors access specialty medications directly from their oncologist for another five years.

Efforts also continue to improve telehealth access in Medicare with Mr. James’s legislation ensuring program integrity measures are in place, while Ms. Steele’s legislation aims at making telehealth more accessible for patients with limited English proficiency.

Rodgers expressed optimism about moving a package extending telehealth flexibilities before August recess: “I am optimistic we will be able to move that package before the August recess and well before those authorities expire at the end of the year.”

She concluded by thanking members for their hard work: “All the legislation today that increases spending in Medicare or Medicaid is offset with reductions in Medicare or Medicaid spending... I am proud of all that we have accomplished working together.”

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