Trending News Today: Medicare Reform Included in House Stopgap Bill

A short-term funding bill introduced in the House will include several bipartisan Medicare reforms that aim to streamline the program and save money, according to The Hill. The Chronic Care Act began with a bipartisan working group in 2015 that was looking for ways to coordinate care for enrollees with chronic conditions, according to the article. This bill passed through Congress quickly and is waiting to be signed by President Donald Trump.

Nearly 40 patient advocacy groups wrote a letter to GOP and Democratic House leaders in opposition to the right to try bill, The Hill reported. The advocacy groups are concerned that the legislation would inflict more harm than good by allowing patients to access unapproved drugs. The groups also noted that the bill would undermine regulatory processes that are in place to protect patients from potential harm, according to the article.

New York State has been awarded a $500,000 grant to fund new telemedicine projects for mental health services, according to the Los Angeles Times. The funds will be used to purchase video conference equipment, tablets, and software. The technology will used by clinics, schools, physicians, nursing homes, and prisons to expand access to mental health services, according to the article.