This week, various health care programs in need of reauthorization will be reviewed by the relevant House and Senate Committees. The Senate will be looking at the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, or PAHPA, and the House will begin its work on the Children’s Hospital GME Program. The HELP and Finance Committees will also explore rural health care issues. Both the House and Senate have cleared a sizable portion of opioid-related legislation in the previous two weeks, and appear on pace to take another step forward during the June work period.

While the Farm Bill has stalled in the House, it’s worth pointing out that the legislation would have created Agricultural Association Health Plans consistent with the Administration’s proposed rule working its way through the Department of Labor. The AHP rule is expected to be finalized later this summer.