The U.S. Chamber recently submitted detailed responses to three pivotal Requests for Information (RFIs) issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
These submissions underscore our steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare innovation, streamlining regulations, and fostering policies that support American businesses and the broader economy. By addressing key challenges and proposing solutions that work for all Americans, the Chamber aims to reduce administrative burdens, promote cutting-edge advancements like artificial intelligence, and improve access to care. Below, we provide an overview of our advocacy efforts and recommendations.
Enhancing Healthcare Affordability and Efficiency
In its response to HHS, the Chamber outlined actionable recommendations to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens in healthcare. The submission highlighted specific regulations that impose excessive costs and hinder innovation, such as health equity reporting requirements and mid-year supplemental benefit notices for Medicare Advantage plans. We urged HHS to rescind these provisions and replace them with more efficient, outcome-driven strategies.
The Chamber also emphasized the need to modernize network adequacy standards to reflect advancements in telehealth and virtual care. By revising outdated regulations, healthcare providers can better address chronic diseases and improve access to care, particularly in underserved areas. Additionally, we advocated for leveraging technology, such as digital communication tools and real-time translation systems, to enhance efficiency and reduce administrative costs.
Advancing Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
The Chamber’s response to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) focused on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. The submission underscored the importance of fostering public trust in AI technologies through transparency, fairness, and accountability. We called for robust partnerships between the government, private sector, academia, and civil society to ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI.Â
The response also highlighted the need for increased investment in AI research and development. By promoting flexible governance frameworks and funding innovative projects, we believe the U.S. can maintain its leadership in AI. Furthermore, we emphasized the importance of building an AI-ready workforce and improving access to government data to accelerate AI advancements. These principles, the Chamber noted, are essential to driving innovation and improving health outcomes.
Streamlining Medicare Regulations
In response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Chamber identified opportunities to streamline Medicare regulations and reduce administrative burdens. Key recommendations included rescinding redundant reporting requirements, such as prior authorization stratification and mid-year benefit notices, and restoring predictability in the Medicare Advantage Star Ratings program.
The Chamber also advocated for modernizing telehealth policies by eliminating geographic and in-person visit restrictions. These changes would expand access to care, particularly for patients with mobility or mental health challenges. Additionally, the response called for better alignment between federal and state regulations to reduce duplicative oversight and improve program efficiency.
The Bottom Line
These submissions underscore the U.S. Chamber’s dedication to advancing regulatory reforms and fostering innovation. By reducing unnecessary burdens, promoting collaboration, and leveraging technology, the Chamber aims to create a more efficient and innovative healthcare system that benefits all Americans.
Earlier this year, the Chamber’s Health Policy Center convened top administration officials, current and former members of Congress, and industry leaders for the inaugural Health Innovation Summit. Through these efforts, the Chamber continues to champion policies that drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across the nation.Â
About the author
Lexi Branson
Lexi Branson serves as Vice President of Health Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where she leads the Chamber’s Health Policy Division.