Reconciliation Bill Update

From the Partnership for Medicaid Home-Based Care

The bill that could carry additional HCBS funding – is moving along.  The closed-door reconciliation negotiations between Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) took a turn subsequent to the Department of Labor releasing data showing inflation at a 40-year high of 9.1 percent.  As a result, it looks like the Senate is considering a smaller reconciliation bill that would include drug pricing provisions and a short extension of ACA subsidies.   

Sen. Manchin told Majority Leader Schumer that until the August reports on interest and inflation rates are released, the two should not pursue a reconciliation package that includes climate change spending and tax increases.  He reiterated his opposition to the House-passed Build Back Better Act and stressed that the reconciliation package should focus on financial and energy security. 

Sen. Manchin’s spokesperson declined to comment on whether the Senator supports the inclusion of $150 billion for home- and community-based services but reiterated his concerns about inflation and his commitment to “lower healthcare costs for seniors and working families.”