CBO Presentation on Medicare Part D and Healthcare Financing Reform

The scheduled event on May 11, 2026, will feature a significant presentation by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) discussing baseline projections for health care programs, especially Medicare Part D. This presentation follows legislative adjustments from the Inflation Reduction Act and the One Big Beautiful Bill. Paragon President Brian Blase will lead a discussion with insights from CBO Director Phillip Swagel and other policy experts, emphasizing the impact of legislative changes on healthcare financing and compliance.

Research by the Paragon Health Institute and the Economic Policy Innovation Center highlights health care programs and national debt interest payments as primary U.S. budget deficit contributors. As rising healthcare costs contribute to deficit growth, Congress must implement strategic reforms to sustain these programs for beneficiaries while avoiding increased tax burdens. This dialogue is particularly relevant for congressional staffers involved in healthcare policy and regulatory compliance.

Panel Participants

• Director Phillip Swagel: Head of the CBO since 2019 with a background in the Treasury Department and economic advisory roles.
• Brian C. Blase: President of Paragon Health Institute with prior experience in economic policy advisement at the White House.
• Sean Dunbar: Manager of cost estimates for low-income health initiatives and prescription drug expenses.
• Sarah Masi: Senior adviser in the CBO's Budget Analysis Division, specializing in Affordable Care Act-related estimates.
• Sarah Sajewski: Leader of Medicare-related cost estimation at the CBO.

The Paragon Health Institute, renowned for its non-partisan policy research, advocates for informed decision-making in health policy and risk management, offering indispensable insights into regulatory compliance requirements and healthcare program sustainability.