President Biden signs spending bill, shutdown averted: 6 things to know

Becker's Healthcare December 23, 2024
Madeline Ashley and Andrew Cass

President Joe Biden signed a new spending bill on Dec. 21 to prevent a government shutdown.

Here are six things to know:

1. The Senate approved the spending bill on the early morning of Dec. 21 in an 85-11 vote after the House approved the bill in a 366-34 vote on Dec. 20.

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

3. The bill continues to increase payments for low-volume hospitals and Medicare-dependent hospitals, and extends add-on payments for telehealth flexibilities and ambulance services, including specific oral antiviral drugs under Medicare Part D. Acute hospital-care-at-home temporary waivers is also...

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