Good Morning, It was a relatively quiet week – at least in terms of health policy – on the Hill, but the Administration more than made up for it, as it sprints to finalize every regulation it can prior to the date when the next Congress can easily rescind it. Here are today's:
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Thursday's webinar: Here is the link to the recording and the slides from Thursday's webinar about recent policy & political developments, and what lies ahead. Among other topics, the webinar reviewed the flurry of new regulations that have recently been finalized (see slide 33) and listed some strategies for addressing 340B challenges (slide 29). We will now do these types of webinars each calendar quarter, so the next one will be in mid-July.
2. Non-compete bans and overtime rules: The ban on non-compete clauses, which we announced in last week's newsletter, does not apply to CHCs or many other non-profits. But the increase in the threshold for which salaried employees are eligible for overtime does apply, and CHCs are advised to start planning for it now, as the first increase becomes effective on July 1. See page 10.
3. For-profits existing the retail clinic market: Walmart announced this week that it is shutting down all its healthcare clinics and telehealth services. (It's keeping its pharmacy and vision services.) This marks a significant strategy change for the retail giant that announced plans in 2019 to open 4,000 clinics by 2029, largely in medically underserved areas. The decision was attributed to workforce shortages, "the challenging reimbursement environment" and "escalating operating costs." (Sound familiar?) Walgreens is also retreating from the retail clinic space after a nearly $6 billion loss last quarter. See page 9.
4. Expanded access for DACA recipients: As of November 1, all DACA recipients ("Dreamers") will be eligible to enroll in, and receive subsidies under, ACA Marketplace plans. See page 8.
RECOMMENDED ACTION ITEMS
1. Senate Appropriations letter: The CHC community did an amazing job with the House FY25 Appropriations letter, getting almost 2/3 of House members to sign on. (Major kudos to all involved!) Now it's time to turn our attention to the Senate letter, where the deadline for signatures will likely be this Thursday, May 9. As of yesterday, there were only 26 signers, so please make this a priority if you can. See page 3.
2. Insulin costs and savings: Please see the Prescription Assistance Programs (PAPs) for insulin on Page 5. For years insulin has typically generated noticeable 340B savings for CHCs, but recent developments are driving down its commercial price and will soon raise its 340B price. As a result, CHCs may find that these PAPs offer a more cost-effective option. See page 5.
Thank You for you continued focus on Advocacy and please let us know how we can assist you in any way.
Have a wonderful week!
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Chuck O'Neal
Director, Member Support
Kentucky Primary Care Association
Frankfort KY
(502) 545-9620
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