Bundled payments demonstrated savings
CMS
Grace period for death or retirement restored.
Via AAHomecare, WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 28, 2018)—AAHomecare has been working for many months with CMS and the Jurisdiction D Council to fix a claims system problem related to physician’s PECOS enrollment.
AAHomecare releases spreadsheet of supporters of current legislative efforts.
Via AAHomecare, WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 22, 2018)—Champions on Capitol Hill remain highly engaged in efforts to roll back bidding-derived Medicare reimbursement cuts in rural/non-bid areas and to address the “double dip” cuts for oxygen in rural areas. With potential omnibus spending legislation expected in late March as a possible vehicle for language from H.R. 4229, it’s critical that we continue to engage Capitol Hill to support these priorities—especially over the next three weeks.
The panels examine the Quality Payment Program.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—CMS is soliciting nominations for technical expert panels (TEP) for its measure development and maintenance contractors. The project’s overall objective is to develop episode-based cost measures suitable for potential use in the Quality Payment Program.
Concerns over cuts and bid limits exist for rural providers.
Via AAHomecare, WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 14, 2018)—The recently released FY 2019 budget proposal from the White House includes several items related to DME. AAHomecare has especially strong concerns about the first item noted below and plans to talk to the Administration for clarification.
Provisions found in the budget proposal and an HHS summary document include:
Advocacy on Capitol Hill and beyond
The focus group looked at compliance and CMS requirements for providers.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 25, 2018)—Last Friday, AAHomecare attended the first Provider Compliance Focus Group meeting held at CMS’s main campus in Baltimore. This was an opportunity for Medicare stakeholders to engage in a conversation with CMS on a variety of compliance related issues. AAHomecare and several Regulatory Council members spoke to CMS on:
Tax on Medical Devices to Resume After 2-year Suspension
While much of corporate America will enjoy a tax cut in the new year, one industry is getting a tax increase it has fought hard, but so far unsuccessfully, to avoid. (Associated Press/CNBC)
States now have through December 31, 2018 to work out guidelines.
Via AAHomcare, WASHINGTON, DC (January 5, 2018)—CMS has revised its initial guidance to state Medicaid directors on compliance with CURES legislation provisions regarding the Federal allowable for Medicaid reimbursement.
Continued engagement with policy makers is key in 2018
The guidance directs state Medicaid directors on how to best set reimbursement rates.
Via AAHomecare, WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 29, 2017)—As mandated in the December 2016 CURES bill, federal Medicaid reimbursement to states for home medical equipment cannot exceed what Medicare would have allowed for these items, in aggregate, beginning on January 1, 2018.
WATERLOO, Iowa (December 19, 2017)—Home for the holidays takes on many meanings this time of year. Families and friends gather from near and far to celebrate the season with loved ones. Stories shared. Songs sung. Food and festivities are all around.
New tool introduced to reconcile information sent in by state Medicaid rates with Medicare rates.
—Via AAHomecare, WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 14, 2017)—CMS recently provided an update on a State Operational Technical Advisory (SOTA) call regarding CURES Medicaid provisions. AAHomecare was one of nearly 300 participants on the call, which was put together for the benefit of Medicaid program officials, but also included industry stakeholders.
AAHomecare working with state programs to obtain guidance.
Via AAHomecare, WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 30, 2017)—As mandated in the December 2016 CURES bill, federal Medicaid reimbursement to states for home medical equipment cannot exceed what Medicare would have allowed for these items beginning on January 1, 2018.
Recent natural disasters highlight the challenges of the health care community
Concerns remain over DIR fees.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (November 20, 2017)—The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) proposed rule for the 2019 Medicare Part D plan year includes important provisions to address concerns of independent community pharmacies and the patients they serve, raised by the National Community Pharmacists Association. In response, NCPA's Chief Executive Officer B. Douglas Hoey, Pharmacist, MBA, issued the following statement:
The proposed rule eliminates administrative hurdles to providing more affordable prescription drugs and will allow Medicare to combat opioid overprescribing and abuse.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 20, 2017)—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule November 16, that includes a number of changes that, if finalized, will ensure that Part D Medicare enrollees have access to more affordable prescription drugs and more robust prescription drug coverage at the pharmacy they prefer. The rule also gives health plans a new tool to combat the opioid crisis.
The leading home health organizations commend CMS for not finalizing the model.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 1, 2017)—The nation’s leading home health organizations, including the Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare (Partnership), the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) and ElevatingHOME, commend the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for not finalizing the proposed Home Health Groupings Model (HHGM) in the Home Health Prospective Payment System (HHPPS) Proposed Rule for CY 2018.