Senate Health Committee Chair Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and ranking member Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., have released a revised version of their health care legislative package with new provisions meant to protect patients against unexpected medical bills. The Lower Health Care Costs Act, released ahead of the expected health committee markup next week, would create a benchmark for health insurer-provider payment disputes, prohibit out-of-network deductibles during emergencies, and limit patients’ out-of-pocket expenses for air ambulance transport.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed imposing a tax penalty on people who fail to enroll in health insurance, with the proceeds going toward tax credits for an estimated 850,000 Californians, including some whose incomes are too high for federal assistance. The proposal is being debated by state lawmakers as part of budget negotiations, which should be done by June 15.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said he is working with Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., on a bipartisan plan to limit seniors’ out-of-pocket spending on prescription medications in Medicare. The senators are reportedly exploring drug pricing changes in Medicaid and Medicare Part D and Part B.