In the waning days of the Trump administration, the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), along with other federal agencies, are rushing to propose and finalize various rules before President-Elect Biden takes office. Many of these rules will face increased legal jeopardy for lacking standard notice-and-comment rulemaking in some way. Others are likely to be delayed or withdrawn by President Biden.

This week, the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) released an analysis of different state government plans for COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Current projections show that a limited number of COVID-19 vaccine doses may start to become available as early as December, with more doses available over time.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network released a paper this week that outlines problems and potential solutions for various issues within Medicare appeals processes. The hurdles in various appeals processes can pose insurmountable burdens for people with Medicare who need access to care, services, medication, and items.

On November 10, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that could up-end the country’s entire health care system. The case, California v. Texas, was brought by 18 states and the Trump administration. If successful, it would strip health care coverage from millions of Americans

Last week, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the Part B premiums and deductible amounts for 2021. Medicare Part B covers physician services, outpatient services, some home health services, durable medical equipment (DME) and some other medical services.

The Medicare Rights Center, along with over 1,800 other individuals and organizations, submitted comments in opposition to this waiver in September, while the Trump administration received a total of eight comments in support.

A court case that may invalidate controversial changes to immigration rules has had two developments this week. The case, which challenges changes that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made to the “public charge rule,” is one of several that have been brought asking courts to review the policy.

The general election on November 3 could have significant ramifications for many health care programs. State, local, and federal candidates offer various perspectives on what the U.S. system should look like and how programs should be supported or dismantled. Because of its vast importance, health care is always on the ballot.

Missing information is always a problem, but in a year where additional assistance may not be as available as usual, these gaps in reported information from plans present particular challenges.

Policymakers in Washington are continuing to negotiate the details of the next coronavirus response bill. Though such legislation is urgently needed, it remains unclear if a deal can be reached in the coming weeks. Now is the time to make your voice heard!