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A key health policy goal of the new Ways and Means chairman – changes to the treatment of people recovering from serious illnesses, injuries and surgeries - is moving forward in an influential advisory panel. The work ultimately could result in an overhaul of one of Medicare's fastest-growing expenses. An overhaul of so-called post-acute care, a roughly $60 billion annual expense for Medicare, has been a top priority for Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, and has the support of the Obama administration. Medicare's spending on post-acute care more than doubled between 2001 and 2012, with different payment rates set for the four main settings for this treatment. Lawmakers are looking for ways to better direct people toward the best sites for post-acute care, while also keeping this spending in check by flattening payments. Decisions about post-care settings now often are based on factors such as a hospital's relationship with a particular center, according to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission. (Young, 11/9)

New York lawmakers are calling on new House Speaker Paul Ryan to extend a law renewing health benefits for Sept. 11 first responders. Members of the city's congressional delegation joined Mayor Bill de Blasio at City Hall on Monday to rally for renewal. (11/9)