Health

House Energy and Commerce Committee Approves Two Medicaid Bills

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The House Energy and Commerce Committee today approved two Medicaid-related bills by voice vote.

One measure — H.R. 3716, introduced by Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.) on Oct. 8 — would bar Medicaid advisers terminated for cause from moving to another state to continue operations. Bucshon said at today’s markup that the measure would save taxpayers an estimated “tens of millions of dollars” over the next decade, and it aims “to hold accountable bad actors in the Medicaid” and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The other bill — H.R. 3821, introduced by Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.) on Oct. 23 — would require states to create an electronic listing of physicians who will treat patients covered by Medicaid.

“This legislation is practical and it increases the responsibility of states to address this and CMS to address it,” Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said today, referring to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “It’s going to save money and I think enhance the credibility to the medicaid program.”

Morning Consult