This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning healthcare providers, doctors, physicians, clinicians, pharmacies and pharmacists, dental care providers, oral care providers, naturopaths, and old-age care providers. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Legislative Updates

Medicare Home Resiliency Coverage Bill Introduced

Bill 4358 proposes amending title XVIII of the Social Security Act to allow coverage of medically necessary home resiliency services under Medicare. The most recent action saw the bill read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Coverage Adjustments

Bill 8487 aims to amend titles XVIII and XIX to adjust coverage and payment for certified community behavioral health clinics under Medicare and Medicaid. The bill was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and, additionally, to Ways and Means, for subsequent jurisdictional review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Telehealth Network Resource Centers Grant Reauthorization

Bill 3419 seeks to reauthorize telehealth network and telehealth resource centers grant programs under the Public Health Service Act. It has been received in the Senate and referred twice to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Rural Health Transformation Program for Texas

Bill 8376 clarifies policy and payment for palliative dialysis services furnished by renal dialysis facilities and providers to certain individuals electing hospice care. It was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Emergency Grants to Safeguard Essential Health Workers

Bill 8484 amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for emergency grants to support essential health care workers. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

Texas Launches Federally Funded Rural Wellness Initiatives

Texas Health and Human Services Commission is deploying $60 million in initial federal funding to rural hospital districts to support prevention, wellness, nutrition programs, and chronic disease screenings.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

New York’s 'Unplug and Play' Initiative Surpasses $350 Million

The Unplug and Play initiative in New York has delivered more than $350 million across pool, community center, and playground projects. Applications for new playground funding open May 4.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

EXPRESS NY Submission Portal Receives Over 3,700 Recommendations

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the EXPRESS NY portal saw 3,700 recommendations from nearly 2,000 participants, with health-related issues a top area. Regulatory reform actions will be announced later this spring.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

JET Grants Awarded at South Texas Schools for Healthcare Training

Texas Workforce Commission awarded six Jobs and Education for Texans grants totaling $1.7 million to support nurse and medical assistant training among other healthcare-related programs at South Texas schools.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

Illinois State Attainment Working Group Appointed

Governor JB Pritzker announced the Illinois State Attainment Working Group, tasked with setting state workforce and training goals for 2040, with health and human services expertise included among appointees.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

What We're Reading This Week

• What lies ahead for US health care: Politico Pulse breaks down anticipated changes in U.S. health care delivery.
• What to Know About the Health Risks of Marijuana: WSJ explores recent findings on marijuana's potential health risks and regulatory debates.
• Thinking of using a chatbot for medical advice? Read this first.: Washington Post examines the reliability and risks of chatbot-based medical advice.
• The Small Changes You’ve Made for Better Health: NYT highlights personal approaches to boost wellness through incremental lifestyle adjustments.
• Elizabeth Banks talks sexual health, reproductive care in revealing chat: USA Today features Elizabeth Banks discussing reproductive health and rights.
• How ‘Age Tech’ Might Help You Grow Old at Home: NYT reports on technological innovations supporting seniors to remain in their homes.
• As Trump Officials Pushed Health Savings Accounts, RFK Jr. Aide Ran Wellness Company Poised to Benefit: NYT investigates links between Trump-era health policies and private wellness ventures.
• The therapist in your pocket: Chatty, leaky — and AI-powered: Washington Post explores regulatory and privacy issues with AI-powered mental health chatbots.

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