HHS Extends COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
At the end of July, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services extended the national public health emergency declared for the COVID-19 pandemic, which grants COVID-19 payment and regulatory fl exibilities, for another 90 days.
Judge Rules Against Hospitals’ Suit Challenging New Price Transparency Rules
A federal judge ruled against the American Hospital Association and other hospital groups that filed suit in December contesting a finalized rule by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that requires hospitals to disclose price information, including negotiated prices with insurers.
Finalized Rule Gives Patients More Control Over Their Health Data
In March, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized two rules that give patients unprecedented safe and secure access to their health data.
Coronavirus Relief Funds to Pay for Care for Uninsured
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is using a $100 billion hospital and provider relief fund to pay hospitals at Medicare rates for uncompensated COVID-19 care for uninsured individuals.
CMS Launches Healthy Adult Opportunity Demonstration Initiative
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched the Healthy Adult Opportunity (HAO) optional demonstration initiative to give states tools to design innovative health coverage programs for adult beneficiaries, while holding states accountable for results and maintaining strong protections for the most at-risk populations.
Medicare Will Now Cover Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a decision to cover acupuncture for Medicare patients with chronic low back pain.
Finalized Health Care Price Transparency Rule Unveiled
New rule requires hospitals to share previously obscured price information, including discounts for cash-paying patients and rates negotiated with insurers.
CMS Price Transparency: The Basics
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final rule requiring hospitals to disclose payer-specific negotiated rates effective Jan. 1, 2021. Becoming familiar with the rule’s definitions will assist in making necessary changes to be compliant.
CMS Enacts Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP Fraud-Fighting Rules
A final rule that went into effect Nov. 4 strengthens the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ ability to stop fraud before it happens.
CMS Finalizes Rule for Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized a rule to update and modernize the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) that reflects updates based upon best practices in caring for frail and elderly individuals.