Health Care Issuewatch Newsletter — Presented by the Association of American Medical Colleges

View in your browser     Lawmakers near deal on children's health funding By Peter Sullivan The government is hurtling toward a Friday funding deadline, with important implications for a slew of health care items. The coming week could finally see lawmakers agree on extending the Children's Health Insurance Program, after months of partisan bickering over how to pay for it. The breakthrough came when the Congressional Budget Office drastically lowered its cost estimate for the measure, so that it will actually save money if extended for long enough. "If we go to six years, it may have no cost," House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.) told reporters Wednesday. "The good news is you can do six years and it costs you nothing." Members in both parties say that change means the extension could move next week, though it depends on broader leadership negotiations over a spending package. There is still some uncertainty over what legislation CHIP reauthorization will be attached to and how long the extension will be.     Walden has proposed a six-year extension, while Democrats are pushing for a longer period, even floating a permanent extension. Other health-care issues are more contentious. Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) are pushing ahead with talks on their bipartisan bill aimed at stabilizing ObamaCare markets. Murray is pushing for changes now that Republicans have repealed ObamaCare's individual mandate, but has not detailed what those are. The measure is not expected to be attached to a short-term spending bill next week, but Alexander is pushing for it to be attached to a long-term funding bill once a deal is reached on that. Industry groups are pushing for repeal or delay of ObamaCare taxes, such as the health insurance tax, medical device tax, and Cadillac tax on high-cost insurance plans. It is possible those measures could be added to a funding bill as well, as lawmakers work to reach a deal.         SPONSORED CONTENT   Congress can protect the 340B Program. Pass H.R. 4392 The 340B Program allows safety net hospitals to purchase drugs at discounts from pharmaceutical companies -- helping teaching hospitals strengthen care for low-income, rural, and other underserved Americans. Best of all? 340B doesn’t cost taxpayers a dime. At less than 3% of the total U.S. drug market, 340B is a bargain for our country and a lifeline for hospitals and communities. Congress should protect the 340B Program. Pass H.R. 4392. Learn more: aamc.org/340B         Recent stories Ryan suggests room for bipartisanship on ObamaCare Ryan: 'I don't see us tackling' entitlement reform this year Trump officials approves work requirements for Medicaid recipients New watchdog group targets Trump HHS on reproductive health Lawsuit filed against ObamaCare insurer over coverage Sanders to host 'Medicare for all' town hall GOP chairman eyes floor action for CHIP next week Trump officials move to allow Medicaid work requirements Bipartisan senators discuss path forward on ObamaCare fix Lawmakers say they're close to deal on CHIP funding     Send tips and comments to Jessie Hellmann, jhellmann@thehill.com; Peter Sullivan, psullivan@thehill.com; Rachel Roubein, rroubein@thehill.com; and Nathaniel Weixel, nweixel@thehill.com. Follow us on Twitter: @thehill, @jessiehellmann, @PeterSullivan4, @rachel_roubein, and @NateWeixel.         Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up for Healthcare Newsletters     Forward Healthcare Newsletters       Privacy Policy  |  Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe  |  Email to a friend  |  Sign Up for Other Newsletters   The Hill 1625 K Street, NW 9th Floor, Washington DC 20006 ©2016 Capitol Hill Publishing Corp., a subsidiary of News Communications, Inc.