The President indicated on Tuesday evening that he would not sign the ‘Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021’, a spending package containing the latest round of COVID-19 relief aid, until Congress re-negotiates the terms of direct stimulus payments and removes what he believes to be unnecessary spending.

The spending package contains several provisions related to the healthcare industry, including surprise billing legislation and a provision to mitigate Medicare Physician Fee Schedule cuts starting January 1st, 2021.  For our summary of the bill, CLICK HERE.

Monday evening, the President signed another continuing resolution to keep the government funded through December 28th, 2020 to provide Congress more time for negotiations.  In the event that, the President decides to veto the bill, Congress could still pass the legislation by maintaining the two-thirds majority vote which originally passed the legislation.

As always, ADVOCATE will continue to keep you informed on the issues impacting medical groups as they develop.

Kayley Jaquet

Manager, Regulatory Affairs