News Briefs
✦ The Biden administration released a diminished version of its proposed spending package, and several health care policies coveted by progressive Democrats — including drug price reform — are among the items that got cut. Critically, Medicare drug price negotiation is not included in the so-called “Build Back Better framework.” However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D- Calif.) reportedly was working on a last-ditch effort to include some drug-pricing provisions. The package would extend the expanded tax credits for Affordable Care Act exchange premiums, made available during the pandemic, to 2025, and Medicare would be expanded to include hearing benefits, but would not include vision or dental.