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)
CMS
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.
Accessibility and health care go hand-in-hand
49 Senators ask CMS to instead work collaboratively with stakeholders, including home health agencies and providers, to develop and implement payment reforms.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 26, 2017)—The Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare (Partnership)—a coalition of home health providers dedicated to improving the integrity, quality and efficiency of home health care for our nation's seniors—today applauded a group of bipartisan U.S.
Reopenings occurring in Jurisdictions C and D.
—Via CMS, WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 25, 2017)—The Qualified Independent Contractor (QIC), C2C Innovative Solutions, Inc., conducts reopenings under the Medicare Appeals Demonstration in Jurisdictions C and D. C2C is sending Reopening Document Request Letters for appeals that are selected for potential reopening as part of the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) formal telephone discussion demonstration.
Medicare and Medicaid Need Innovation
Trump’s HHS seeks to encourage health care competition. (Seema Verma/Wall Street Journal)
Intended new direction promotes patient-centered care.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 20, 2017)—Today, the CMS Innovation Center (Innovation Center) issued an informal Request for Information (RFI) seeking feedback on a new direction to promote patient-centered care and test market-driven reforms that empower beneficiaries as consumers, provide price transparency, increase choices and competition to drive quality, reduce costs, and improve outcomes.
Directed guidance for providers impacted by Hurricane Irma.
—Via AAHomecare, WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 18, 2017)—AAHomecare continues to work with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to find immediate solutions for HME providers serving patients in areas affected by Hurricane Irma. In a conversation with CMS today, the agency offered further resources and contact information for providers facing challenges caring for patients.
CMS updates guidance for providers, and RACs halt audits in storm affected areas.
—Via AAHomecare, WASHINGTON, D.C.