What were the major developments in US healthcare policy in 2021?

In 2021, the healthcare policy in the United States underwent significant changes, ranging from increased coverage to the COVID-19 pandemic to the repeal of certain regulations. One of the most significant changes was the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which expanded health insurance subsidies and therefore made healthcare more affordable for a larger portion of the population. This bill also increased Medicaid funding and provided additional financial support for rural hospitals.

Another change was the removal of the Trump-era rule that limited enrollment in the Affordable Care Act's exchanges. This rule had made it more difficult for individuals to enroll in health care plans on the exchanges, but its repeal made it easier for people to sign up for healthcare coverage.

The Biden administration also took steps to address the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing funding for vaccine distribution and expanding access to testing. Additionally, the administration proposed new regulations designed to protect patients from surprise medical bills and to increase transparency around the pricing of medical services.

Overall, 2021 saw significant developments in US healthcare policy, with changes aimed at increasing access to affordable healthcare, increasing funding for underserved communities, and responding to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.