Healthcare Providers’ Medicare Appeals Further Delayed
Medicare appeals hearings from hospitals, doctors and other providers have been suspended by the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (OMHA) because it has moved beneficiaries to the front of the line.
Most Hospitals Will Fail to Collect on Medicare Quality Bonuses
A Kaiser Health News analysis showed that 55 percent of hospitals that were graded on the federal government’s most comprehensive review of quality received bonuses, but fewer than 800 of those will actually receive the money.
HHS Announces $840 Million Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative to Improve Patient Care and Lower Costs
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched the Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative, an $840 million investment over the next four years to support 150,000 clinicians.
President’s FY2016 Budget Set to Reduce Net Medicare Spending
The president’s FY2016 budget proposal released in February would reduce net Medicare spending by $423 billion between 2016 and 2025 and is estimated to extend the solvency of the Medical Hospital Insurance Trust Fund by approximately five years.
Drug Supply Chain Security Act in Effect as of January 1
Title II of the Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA), known as theDrug Supply Chain Security Act(DSCSA), took effect on January 1, 2015.
HHS Awards Millions in Health Grants
Under the Affordable Care Act, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded millions in health grants in 2014.
Supreme Court Upholds Exemption to ACA’s Contraception Coverage Requirement
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 5-4 to allow a key exemption to the Affordable Care Act’s contraception coverage requirements, meaning closely held, for-profit businesses can assert a religious objection.
New DEA Law Authorizes Drop-Off Sites for Unused Prescription Drugs
A new Drug Enforcement Administration regulation allows pharmacies,hospitals, clinics and other authorized collectors such as long-term care facilities to serve as authorized drop-off sites for unused prescription drugs.
Telehealth Payments and Domain to Expand Under Proposed CMS Rule
A proposed rule by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would add to the list of Medicare-reimbursable telehealth activities, as well as pay for telehealth services in rural areas nearer big cities under a geographical expansion.
HHS to Enforce Orphan Exclusion Rule for 340B Drug Discounts
The Department of Health andHuman Services (HHS) will allow certain hospitals to receive discounts on orphan drugs when they are used for non-orphan conditions, despite a ruling by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that HHS did not have the authority to do so.