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After five months of waiting, President Biden's pick for National Institutes of Health director, Monica Bertagnolli, today will get a confirmation hearing before the Senate health committee. And drug development and pricing is likely to loom large. (Sullivan and Bettelheim, 10/18)

The leadership turmoil in the U.S. House of Representatives has clouded the outlook for passing health care legislation this year. However, there’s also a lot of momentum in Congress behind the health policy work that already has been done, so some health care reforms “have a chance of hitching a ride on a big catch-all bill at the end of the year. And legislation that doesn’t cross the finish line this year will carry over to next year.” That was the word from Geoff Manville, partner at Mercer, during a recent webinar that provided an update on health care law and policy. (Rupe, 10/17)

Legislation that addresses potential changes in pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) compensation disclosure requirements, a review of business models and agreements before these disclosures, and changes in the assessment of PBM fees are currently stalled as Congress seeks to elect a new Speaker of the House. ... Currently, there is general bipartisan support for PBM reforms, in both the House and Senate, but there are factors in Congress that are taking priorities. In the Senate, there are 3 committees that have advanced legislation on PBM reforms, with leadership supporting a floor vote before the end of 2023. In the House, a consolidated bill was released in September and although there are plans for a full House vote, they are stalled due to the current issues in Congress. The legislation will be active through the end of 2024. (Gallagher, 10/17)