The 4,155-page package also includes provisions aimed at helping hospitals.
Just as important in the 4,155-page bill, though, are spending provisions aimed at helping hospitals and healthcare systems. The law, cleared by the outgoing Democratic House on Dec. 23 and signed by Biden shortly thereafter, allots $9.2 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for “fundamental public health activities” — coupled with a $760 million boost over the 2022 fiscal year.
In addition to increased funding for the CDC and public health, the bill includes the following major provisions:The bill aims to improve public health through better data collection, vaccine development, and agency oversight. Medicare and many Medicaid programs have expanded the types of originating sites that a patient could be at while receiving services via telehealth. Other telehealth changes have included delaying certain in-person requirements and extending coverage for audio-only services.