With 24 bipartisan cosponsors in the Senate, the emerging Alexander-Murray stabilization package is a significant step forward in the health reform debate. However, after months of dominating the airwaves, health care is now taking the back seat in policy conversations heading into the end of the year. The short-term government-funding bill runs through December 15th, and there is no reason to think Democrats would cut a deal on stand-alone health care issues. Instead, it is more likely they will move to a large clearing the decks/omnibus package that includes continued funding of the government. As a result, issues such as DACA or border security could be driving year-end policy discussions. The health care question is how issues like Alexander-Murray, CSRs, or the minibus fit into those negotiations.

So what do the next seven weeks look like if we’re looking at a big end of year deal? Democrats and some Republicans will turn their attention to the first open enrollment period under the Trump Administration. Additionally, others will look for opportunities to win over the President on policies within Alexander-Murray, or policies they hope can be included. While the President changed his message on Alexander-Murray multiple times last week, he will be a key player in end of year negotiations. Trump relished the opportunity to be seen making a deal in September, and he’ll likely look to play a similar role in a December deal.