Senate passes spending bill, shutdown avoided: 5 things to know

Becker's Healthcare December 20, 2024
Madeline Ashley and Andrew Cass

The Senate approved a spending bill on the early morning of Dec. 21 in an 85-11 vote to help prevent a government shutdown, sending it to President Biden for his approval.

Here are five things to know:

1.The House approved the spending bill in a 366-34 vote before sending it to the Senate on Dec. 20.

2. On the healthcare front, the new spending bill would extend funding for diabetes programs, telehealth services and community health centers. It would also support family health and educational programs.

3. The bill would continue to increase payments for low-volume hospitals and Medicare-dependent hospitals, and extend add-on payments for telehealth flexibilities and ambulance services, including specific oral antiviral drugs under Medicare Part...

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