2022 Hospice proposed rule would help with addendum statement snags, but other problems remain. In the Hospice proposed rule, published in the April 14 Federal Register, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services outlines these changes to the election statement addendum that was implemented on Oct. 1, 2020. Three vs. Five Days In the […]
Many plans charge a daily copayment, starting the first day, compared to deductibles charged by traditional Medicare plans. Last fall, I reported on the rise of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, most of which have added coverage for issues associated with the social determinants of health (SDoH). Of 62 million Medicare beneficiaries, over 24 million enrolled […]
Previously delayed from March 15th to May 15th, the final rule will now be codified on December 15th, giving CMS time to tackle issues raised by stakeholders. CMS announced that it will delay the effective date of a final rule updating the definition of “reasonable and necessary” and the guidelines surrounding the Medicare Coverage of […]
Prior authorization still presents challenges to physicians, three years after the AMA and other health organizations released a consensus statement urging reform. A recent survey from the American Medical Association (AMA) evaluated the challenges and roadblocks of prior authorization (PA) for physicians and patients three years after a coalition of industry groups led by […]
It’s critical that independent practices make sure that they are laying the groundwork to make telehealth a robust part of their care delivery and their bottom line. In a very real sense, telehealth has been responsible for enabling independent healthcare practices to stay in practice and continue to provide care to their communities during […]
HHS program reimburses healthcare providers and facilities for testing, treatment, and vaccine administration fees associated with insured patients. On May 3, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced the new COVID-19 Coverage Assistance Fund (CAF) program that covers costs of administering COVID-19 vaccines […]
ACHP provides several steps that will leverage the advancements of the Affordable Care Act and increase access to high-quality coverage and care. The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) released recommended steps to build on the success of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and enhance and expand coverage in the individual health insurance market. First, […]
The federal agency is seeking comment, which is due 90 days after it is formally published in the Federal Register. It is set to be published May 13, meaning the deadline for comment is August 11. CMS pre-published an interim final rule today that sets COVID-19 vaccine requirements for long-term care (LTC) facilities and intermediate […]
In response to HHS requests for comments on proposed HIPAA rule changes, CHIME and ABHW raised privacy and security concerns, including the Right of Access amendments. CHIME and the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness sent letters to the Department of Health and Human Services, in response to proposed changes to HIPAA. Among a range […]
Insights from MGMA’s Medical Practice Excellence Pathways Conference. At MGMA’s Medical Practice Excellence Pathways Conference, Justin Chamblee, CPA and senior vice president of Coker Group, gave a presentation overviewing CMS’s 2021 Final Rule changes and exploring the impact these changes will have on wRVUs and physician compensation. According to the presentation, some key changes to […]