STAT+: Republicans want to crack down on pricey health regulations, but there are major loopholes
Republicans are selling a provision of the debt ceiling deal as a way to limit health agencies’ power to spend. But it has major loopholes.
WASHINGTON — At first glance, the debt ceiling deal that Republicans struck with the White House seems to significantly rein in the Biden administration’s ability to pursue big-ticket health care policy.
It includes a provision that would force federal agencies to find ways to offset the cost of any new regulations they create related to programs that cost more than $1 billion. Health regulations can be especially expensive, so Republicans are selling it as a way to limit the agencies’ power to spend.
But budget experts and former HHS officials who spoke with STAT said the change wouldn’t actually matter all that much.
What's Your Reaction?
