In what will be a bellweather for the entire year, Congress is in full debate about two high priority health matters - addressing opioid addiction and preventing the spread of the Zika virus. Both have health and budget impacts, to varying degrees based on party. Whether either or both can get done will tell a lot about the potential to get anything done in Congress this year.

With the Presidential election in full swing, and an unexpected Supreme Court seat opening, the partisanship on Capitol Hill is only intensifying. If they cannot find a way to pass legislation on opioid addiction and recovery options (President Obama and bipartisan bills in Congress have been proposed) or the Zika Virus (currently a hearing in the House is scheduled for this Wednesday), then the hope for a comprehensive budget resolution followed by individual appropriations bills funding key HHS programs becomes even more remote.

Interestingly, the National Health Service Corps program may play a role in both discussions; but what will be enacted is anyone's guess so far. However, ACU is very thankful that policymakers recognize the potential value of the NHSC in such times.