Numerous recent Congressional committee hearings have focused on health policy issues, including the following:
- On September 24, 2008, the Senate Aging Committee examined “ways to respect Americans’ choices at the end of life.” The panel also held a hearing September 17 on direct-to-consumer medical device advertising.
- House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee held a hearing September 23, 2008 on problems in the private health insurance market, with a focus on the need for reforms in the non-group or individual market. The panel also met September 11 to examine on Medicare physician payment policy reform.
- On September 23, 2008, the House Oversight and Government Reform Domestic Policy Subcommittee held a hearing on Medicaid pediatric dental care reform. The full Committee also held a hearing September 16 on HIV prevention.
- The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing September 18, 2008 on health reform, as did the House Small Business Committee.
- The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing September 16, 2008, on health care delivery system reform, focusing on creating a patient-centered model of care and supporting primary care. On September 23, 2008, the Committee held a hearing on insurance market reform, highlighting health insurance exchanges that connect individuals, small businesses and those eligible for premium subsidies to available health insurance plans.
- The Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing September 11, 2008 on Medicare information issues.