Tag: Medicaid Services

cms-updates-hospice-payments-proposed-rule-2023

CMS updates hospice payments in proposed rule for 2023

CMS is following a budget-neutral approach by implementing a permanent cap on negative wage index changes to smooth yearly payment impacts. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued a proposed rule updating hospice-based payments and the aggregate cap amount for fiscal year 2023. Hospices would see a 2.7%, or $580 million, increase in […]
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California lawmakers introduce bill to mandate vaccinations in workplaces

The bill comes in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision blocking President Biden’s nationwide vaccine mandate for large employers. A group of California lawmakers, led by District 15 Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, have introduced a bill proposing that all businesses in the state mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for their employees. Assembly Bill 1993 would require […]
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New Senate Bill Aims to Extend Medicare Telehealth Waivers By 2 Years

The bill proposes extending Medicare reimbursement for a range of telehealth services, including substance abuse treatment, for two years after the public health emergency has ended. A new piece of bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the US Senate that aims to extend access to telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries after the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. […]
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HHS distributing $9 billion in COVID-19 relief funds to providers this week

Average payments are $58,000 for small providers, $289,000 for medium providers, and $1.7 million for larger providers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), said it’s distributing about $9 billion in Provider Relief Fund payments to providers, with a particular focus on smaller providers. This is […]
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newly-expanded-supplemental-benefits-medicare-advantage-grew-43-2022

Newly expanded supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage grew 43% for 2022

Along with that growth, the number of plans offering more than one benefit increased 15%, from 175 to 202. The findings show that under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ reinterpretation of “primarily health-related” benefits, supplemental benefit offerings in Medicare Advantage – such as home-based palliative care, in-home support services, caregiver support and therapeutic […]
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more-medicare-advantage-plans-will-offer-non-medical-benefits-2022-finds-avalere

More Medicare Advantage plans will offer nonmedical benefits in 2022, finds Avalere

  More plans will offer meals, nutrition, transportation or in-home support services at a $0 premium in 2022. Ahead of the annual election period, which began on October 15, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published information on MA and Part D plan (PDP) premiums, benefit offerings and star ratings. Avalere analyzed that data […]
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most-medicare-beneficiaries-dont-compare-coverage-options-during-open-enrollment

Most Medicare beneficiaries don’t compare coverage options during open enrollment

Since not shopping around can have an impact on enrollees’ coverage and costs, CMS recommends they review and compare plans each year. The numbers are similar across both Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare, with 68% of MA beneficiaries saying they don’t compare medical plans, and 73% of those in traditional Medicare claiming the same. The […]
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cms-repeals-rule-allowing-coverage-breakthrough-technologies-medicare-patients

The CMS repeals rule allowing coverage of breakthrough technologies for Medicare patients

CMS is exploring a new rule due to concerns raised and operational challenges. The rule that would have allowed access to Food and Drug Administration-designated and -approved technologies for Medicare patients suffering from illnesses and conditions that existing treatments and technologies are unable to address. CMS is exploring a new rule due to concerns raised […]
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