House Energy and Commerce Committee Wraps Up Its Reform Bill - September 28, 2009

In a short session last week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee considered amendments that were filed, but not voted on, during its markup in July. Included in a package of amendments that passed with bipartisan support was an amendment that creates a grant program for collaborative care networks, offered by Congressman Bobby Rush (D-IL) at NAPH’s urging. We are pleased that the House legislation now has two provisions establishing collaborative care programs—one offered by Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (D-CA) through a Medicare DSH pilot and the other offered by Congressman Rush.

The House is working to combine its legislation and get a single bill to the House floor in the coming weeks. House Democrats are huddling today to reach consensus on a number of controversial issues including a public plan.