More than 500 hospitals collectively sued HHS challenging reimbursement rates in the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS): This is one of several suits challenging batches of denied requests for reimbursement rate amendments. The suit alleges that CMS miscalculated a 40-year-old base reimbursement rate that has lowered subsequent payments. Read more.

Bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers introduce bill to cleave pharmacy benefit manager and health insurance businesses from pharmacy businesses: The Patients Before Monopolies Act (PBM Act) was introduced last week and would prohibit corporations that own pharmacy benefit managers or health insurers from owning pharmacies. Read more.

Congressional Republicans send year-end health package to Democrats: Republicans sent a proposal, which includes a three-year extension of the telehealth and hospital-at-home flexibilities, a one-year pay bump in the Physician Fee Schedule, funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers, and full reauthorizations of the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act and the SUPPORT Act. Read more. Democrats counteroffered Republicans in these negotiations, seeking ACA subsidy extension: Democrats are reportedly seeking a one-year extension to Affordable Care Act subsidies as lawmakers iron out details for health riders in the anticipated continuing resolution. Read more.

A bipartisan group of Congress members have introduced a bill to shore up nursing and allied health education programs: The Rebuild America’s Health Care Schools Act would provide relief to hospital-based nursing schools and programs to train allied health workers, including pharmacy residents. Read more.