Improving Healthcare Infrastructure through Innovation and Optimization

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has submitted responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), aiming to create a more efficient and innovative healthcare system that benefits all Americans.

Lexi Branson, Vice President of Health Policy at the Chamber, led the response effort. In the submitted documents, the Chamber outlined several recommendations to improve healthcare affordability, advance artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, and streamline Medicare regulations.

Healthcare Affordability and Regulatory Burdens (HHS Response)

The Chamber emphasized reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens to improve healthcare affordability and efficiency. They highlighted actionable recommendations to streamline healthcare regulations to enhance innovation and cost-effectiveness. Specifically, the Chamber called for the reduction of regulations like health equity reporting requirements and mid-year supplemental benefit notices for Medicare Advantage plans.

Advancing Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (NIH Response)

The Chamber advocated for the transformative potential of AI in healthcare. To ensure responsible development and deployment of AI, the Chamber called for partnerships between the government, private sector, academia, and civil society. They also emphasized the need for increased investment in AI research and development, promoting flexible governance frameworks, and funding innovative AI healthcare projects to maintain U.S. leadership.

Furthermore, the Chamber called for building an AI-ready workforce and improving access to government data to accelerate AI advancements. These principles are aimed at driving innovation and improving health outcomes through AI.

Streamlining Medicare Regulations (CMS Response)

In response to CMS, the Chamber identified opportunities to streamline Medicare regulations. Recommendations include rescinding redundant reporting requirements, restoring predictability in the Medicare Advantage Star Ratings program, modernizing telehealth policies, and improving alignment between federal and state regulations to reduce duplicative oversight and enhance program efficiency.

The Chamber also advocated for eliminating geographic and in-person visit restrictions for telehealth, expanding access to care for patients with mobility or mental health challenges. Additionally, they emphasized the need to modernize network adequacy standards to reflect advancements in telehealth and virtual care.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's responses to the RFIs are part of an ongoing effort to champion policies that drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across the nation. This was demonstrated at the Chamber's Health Innovation Summit, where top administration officials, current and former members of Congress, and industry leaders gathered to discuss these important issues.

[1] These recommendations are designed to foster innovation, reduce administrative friction, and improve access and affordability in the U.S. healthcare system while responsibly integrating AI technologies.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is pushing for a more efficient and innovative healthcare system, aiming to benefit all Americans.
Lexi Branson, the Vice President of Health Policy at the Chamber, led the response effort to the Requests for Information (RFIs) from HHS, NIH, and CMS.
In the submitted documents, the Chamber suggested reducing regulatory burdens to improve healthcare affordability and efficiency, promoting streamlined regulations that enhance innovation and cost-effectiveness.
The Chamber advocates for the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, calling for partnerships between government, private sector, academia, and civil society.
To drive innovation and improve health outcomes through AI, the Chamber encourages building an AI-ready workforce and improving access to government data.
In response to CMS, the Chamber identified opportunities to streamline Medicare regulations, including rescinding redundant reporting requirements and modernizing telehealth policies.
The Chamber also advocates for eliminating geographic and in-person visit restrictions for telehealth, expanding access to care for patients with mobility or mental health challenges.
The Chamber's responses to the RFIs aim to foster innovation, reduce administrative friction, and improve access and affordability in the U.S. healthcare system, driving economic growth and quality of life for individuals and communities across the nation.