July 26, 2026 to August 01, 2026

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.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Healthcare channel? Don't miss this week's updates in Social Issues. Also consider subscribing to our Healthcare - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Budget Committee: Reality of Medicaid: The Senate Budget Committee will hold an open hearing in Dirksen Senate Office Building, room 608, on August 4, 2:00 PM, to examine the current status and operation of Medicaid.
• Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care: Building a resilient health care future with biotechnology: On August 4 at 2:00 PM, the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health Care convenes in Dirksen Senate Office Building, room 215, to discuss strengthening health system resilience through biotechnology.

Legislative Updates

To establish a Green New Deal for Health

Bill 9962 proposes a Green New Deal for Health to empower health care sector workers and communities in response to the climate crisis. It was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and subsequently to Ways and Means and Science, Space, and Technology for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to expand access to specialized care

Bill 5193 aims to expand capacity for improving health outcomes and access to specialized care by amending the Public Health Service Act. The measure was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide health coverage of newborns

Bill 9996 would expand health coverage for newborns via updates to the Public Health Service Act, ERISA, and the Internal Revenue Code. It was referred to Energy and Commerce, Education and Workforce, and Ways and Means for review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Medicare & You: Information on VA patient enrollment impacts

Bill 10012 requires the Medicare & You handbook to include details on how enrolling in the VA patient enrollment system affects Medicare premiums. The bill was referred to Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Veterans' Affairs for consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Speech therapy coverage for childhood-onset fluency disorders

Bill 5172 seeks enhanced screening and Medicaid/CHIP coverage of speech therapy for childhood-onset fluency disorders. It was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Your health care bill is incomprehensible. Congress is stepping in.: Legislators weigh new measures to address price transparency for insurers and hospitals.
• Doctors wage Medicare pay turf war: Physicians confront disputes over Medicare payment allocation.
• Poll: Americans find common ground on moms and babies: Public opinion survey shows broad consensus on maternal health priorities.
• Health Brief: Reaction to Medicaid work reporting requirements: Stakeholders react to new Medicaid work reporting policies.
• California's largest ICE facility did not provide adequate medical care, monitor says: Report cites insufficient medical services at California's main ICE location.
• Immigration crackdown threatens Haitian caregivers and the seniors who rely on them: Policy shifts expose risks for elderly care due to reduction of Haitian caregiver workforce.
• Opinion | Sen. Andy Kim: Yes, Medicaid should cover all children: Senator Andy Kim advocates Medicaid expansion for all children.
• Airports, nursing homes and schools brace for disruption without Haitian workers: Loss of Haitian workers prompts operational concerns in elder care and public facilities.

.