Maddie News
Subscribe to Maddie News's PostsMaddie delivers comprehensive research and analysis of key federal healthcare legislative and regulatory developments. She assists clients with real-time tracking and analysis of health care policy initiatives in Washington, DC, and helps clients achieve advocacy and policy goals. Read Maddie News's full bio.
Government shutdown continues as start of ACA open enrollment approaches
By Debra Curtis, Rodney Whitlock, Kayla Holgash, Katie Waldo and Maddie News on Oct 28, 2025
Posted In Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans
The US government shutdown has now lasted nearly one month, marking it as the longest full shutdown in US history, surpassing the previous record held by the partial shutdown of 35 days in 2018 – 2019. As the shutdown continues, pressure mounts to reopen the government due to the growing number of uncompensated federal employees...
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Health Plan Provisions in the House Reconciliation Package
By Kayla Holgash, Maddie News, Debra Curtis, Rodney Whitlock, Amy Kelbick, Leigh Feldman, Josh Jorgensen and Julia Grabo on Jun 17, 2025
Posted In Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans
On May 22, 2025, the US House of Representatives passed its reconciliation package, now known as H.R.1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act, by a 215 – 214 – 1 vote, advancing an agenda that extends and builds on tax cuts enacted in President Trump’s first term. The bill contains several policies impacting group health insurance...
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Unpacking the Over-the-Counter Contraception Proposed Rule
By Sarah Raaii and Maddie News on Nov 14, 2024
Posted In Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans
Sarah Raaii recently joined McDermott+’s Maddie News on the Health Policy Breakroom Podcast to discuss proposed rules issued by the Biden administration that require health plans to cover certain over-the-counter services, including contraception items. Access the podcast episode here.
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HHS, Labor, and Treasury Finalize Mental Health Parity Rule
By Katie Waldo, Rachel Stauffer, Erica Stocker, Jeffrey Davis, Leigh Feldman, Julia Grabo and Maddie News on Sep 26, 2024
Posted In Employee Benefits, Health and Welfare Plans, Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act
On September 9, 2024, the US Departments of Health and Human Services , Labor, and the Treasury finalized a rule related to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. This rule introduces significant updates to mental health and substance use disorder benefits, ensuring parity with medical and surgical benefits. Key changes include enhanced protections...
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