Background
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of a qualified and robust health care workforce. The pandemic also exacerbated existing challenges with recruiting, retaining, and training health care workers.
At the same time, gains have been made in other areas of health care services. For example, recently enacted federal legislation will cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries, and the availability of hearing aids over the counter is expected to lower costs for consumers. In addition, innovations in treatment and delivery of care for a range of conditions require continued assurances regarding safety and access to care.