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.
Lower Medicare Spending Means Enhanced Financial Future
A substantial decrease in Medicare spending as a result of improvements made by the Affordable Care Act (ACA)will result in the Medicare Trust Fund lasting until 2030.
ACA Insurance Subsidies Struck Down by D.C. Appeals Court
A federal appeals court has struck down subsidies provided under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for federally run insurance exchanges.
CMS Proposed Rule Will Extend EHR Incentive Program
Under a proposed rule by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services(CMS), healthcare providers will have an extra year to use 2011 edition software in their electronic health record systems under the federal incentive program for health IT.