Biden administration acts to lower drug costs, extends PHE

President Biden signed an Executive Order this morning directing HHS to explore actions to lower prescription drug costs, building on reforms enacted earlier this year as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Yesterday, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency for another 90 days, extending key waivers and flexibilities including those related to telehealth and expanded coverage, 20% add-on payments to hospitals for treatment of COVID-19 patients and increased federal matching rate to states.