Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • NPR

    Some Big Health Care Policy Changes Are Hiding In The Federal Spending Package

    The bill includes some policy surprises and increases in funding for several key public health priorities. And it cuts the few remaining taxes that were paying for Obamacare.
    by NPR Staff Dec 18, 2019 6 minutes
    The spending bill to fund the government for the next fiscal year is expected to pass by Friday.

    Congress is set to pass a $1.4 trillion spending package this week, which President Trump has said he'll sign. The legislation includes policy changes and funding increases that public health advocates are celebrating, as well as the permanent repeal of three key taxes that were designed to pay for Obamacare — a win for industry groups.

    Notably absent from the spending package: legislation to address surprise billing or prescription drug prices. The House passed a prescription drug price bill last week, but a bill that can get through the Senate may be a long way off. Surprise billing proposals had support from both parties in both chambers of Congress as well as in the White House. Still, such legislation have proven difficult to nail down. Lawmakers involved say it is a priority for next year.

    Our health reporting team took a look at what in the package and picked out notable highlights, including some surprising policy reverses

    You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

    More from NPR

    NPR3 min read
    Justice Thomas Decries 'Nastiness' And 'Lies' Against Him
    The Supreme Court justice told attendees at a judicial conference that he and his wife have faced "nastiness" and "lies" over the last several years and decried Washington as a "hideous place."
    NPR4 min read
    Senate Passes FAA Reauthorization Bill, Sending Legislation To The House
    The Senate passed a bill designed to improve safety and customer service for air travelers, a day before the law governing the Federal Aviation Administration expires.
    NPR5 min read
    Why Writing By Hand Beats Typing For Thinking And Learning
    Researchers are learning that handwriting engages the brain in ways typing can't match, raising questions about the costs of ditching this age-old practice, especially for kids.

    Related Books & Audiobooks