Episode 40

Washington Watch: CJR-X Finalized, Price Transparency & Affordability, 340B Rebate Pilot Advances

Aug 19, 2026

35:25

Episode Description

Join hosts Chad Mulvany and Shawn Stack as they share the latest healthcare policy and legislative updates for the week of August 19, 2026. First, they discuss the most critical updates from CMS’ 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) final rule, including the mandatory Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Expanded (CJR-X) Model and its cost and quality expectations for participating hospitals.

Next, they delve into the conversation around price transparency and affordability, including actions from Congress and CMS, scrutiny on mergers and acquisitions, and implications for the 2026 midterm elections.

Then, they’re joined by Brian Bell, principal in the Healthcare Consulting practice at Forvis Mazars, for a conversation about the new 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). They explore how the pilot will change covered entities’ access to discounts for selected manufacturers and drugs, and how hospitals can build operational and administrative capabilities to prepare.

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