Advocacy and Legal Team – Legislative and Regulatory Updates

Appropriations Measure is Signed Into Law

by Artemis Policy Group

In early February, Congress passed and the President signed into law a package (the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, or CAA 2026) that provides funding for the federal health agencies for the remainder of the fiscal year. The law includes continued level funding for the two hemophilia programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the hemophilia program at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

The CAA 2026 contains a number of substantive health policies in addition to appropriations language. While a few of the new policies could be relevant to HTCs, none raise significant concerns for the Hemophilia Alliance or its members. The new policies include:

• PBM reform provisions (narrower than in past bills), including:
  • With respect to Medicare Part D only – require PBMs to pass through certain rebates and discounts to plan sponsors, and allow PBM to charge only flat administrative fees for their services.
  • Require PBMs to report at least annually to plan sponsors and HHS regarding contracts, rebates, drugs dispensed, use of copay assistance, etc.
  • Require PBMs under contract with ERISA plans to pass through drug rebates to the plan issuers.
• The Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act – policy supported by the Hemophilia Alliance that makes it easier for children with Medicaid or CHIP coverage to access providers across state lines.
• Extension of current Medicare telehealth flexibilities until December 31, 2027.
• Assuring pharmacy access and choice (“any willing provider”) for Medicare beneficiaries.
• Requiring a separate identification number and an attestation for each off-campus outpatient department of a provider by 2028.