Peter Sullivan

1 week ago | axios.com | Peter Sullivan

Senators and consumer groups are growing frustrated that patent overhaul bills aimed at lowering drug prices have languished despite bipartisan support over multiple congresses. Why it matters: The measures amount to low-hanging fruit in broader efforts to lower health care costs. They target drug industry attempts to game the patent system that nearly all senators think should be stopped.

1 week ago | axios.com | Peter Sullivan

Roughly 1 million people receive medication treatment for opioid addiction through Medicaid, according to a new report from congressional Democrats that warns prospective cuts to the program would hinder anti-addiction efforts. Why it matters: The opioid crisis is an area of bipartisan concern that has hit many red states hard, so the report highlights a sensitive area for Republicans weighing an overhaul of the program.

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Peter Sullivan |Victoria Knight

We're back with a fresh bill tracker for the new Congress. Why it matters: Other than reconciliation and possible Medicaid changes, not a lot is moving on health care front at the moment after the demise of December's health package. Here's what is still on the table:Medicaid cutsThe issue: Medicaid cut proposals include per capita caps on spending, lowering the federal share of costs (FMAP) for the expansion population, and imposing work requirements and doing stricter eligibility checks.

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Peter Sullivan |Victoria Knight

The House cleared a major hurdle Thursday with the adoption of Senate amendments to its budget resolution, but competing promises to different groups of lawmakers mean key decisions on Medicaid lie ahead. Why it matters: A resolution calling for $1.5 trillion in cuts puts a target on the safety net program, but it's unclear how big the bullseye is.

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Peter Sullivan

Internal GOP divisions over Medicaid cuts are deepening across both chambers as the House heads toward a budget resolution vote as soon as Wednesday afternoon. Why it matters: The tensions highlight how difficult it will be to write the actual reconciliation bill, even if the House GOP leadership rounds up the votes to adopt Senate amendments to its budget resolution. What they're saying: Sen.