With the FY2017 reconciliation instructions behind us, we look ahead to what is left in store for health care between now and the end of the calendar year. While Secretary Price’s departure was expected, what he leaves behind at the agency is unclear. Price brought many of his own people with him and was reportedly focused on rolling back ‘bureaucratic impediments’ that providers face in treating patients. His replacement will influence how the agency operates during a significant juncture in the health care debate. The ACA is still the law of the land, and MACRA still needs to be implemented. Price’s departure will also lead to another round of confirmation hearings, which are sure to be focused on the implementation of the ACA.

Last week, Congress missed the deadline on re-authorization of several key health care programs, including CHIP, MIECHV, delaying DSH payments, SNPs, and community health center payments. Negotiations to extend these programs will likely dominate health policy conversations this week, along with the revitalized market stabilization negotiations going on in the Senate HELP Committee. The Senate Also passed the CHRONIC Care Act late last week, which could become a critical bipartisan vehicle this fall should the House take up passage.