Time Is an Obstacle on Passage of Budget Reconciliation Bill

Reports regarding a possible budget reconciliation legislation reveal that negotiations on the package are proceeding, despite the House and Senate being in recess this week. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) continue to meet to discuss a deal on budget reconciliation. Reports indicate that the two have reached a consensus on the prescription drug reform provision, which would allow the federal government to negotiate the price of select drugs on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries in an effort to lower drug costs.  

Time is a major obstacle on reaching a final deal. Both the House and the Senate return from recess on July 11. After the July recess, the House is in session only three weeks and the Senate is in session only four weeks. This leaves little time for Congress to pass a deal.

Nonetheless, ANCOR continues its advocacy to ensure that HCBS funding is included in any budget reconciliation legislation. You can continue to tell your Senators to include funding for the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) program as part of the reconciliation package.