This evening, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2019 final payment rule for Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) and for the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) program. The rule contains changes to the DMEPOS competitive bidding program as well to DME fee schedule payments where competitive bidding is not [...] Read More
Following the release of an HHS report on international drug pricing, President Trump announced a new Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiative to index pricing for Medicare Part B drugs to international prices. The advance notice of proposed rulemaking solicits comments on a demonstration program HHS is considering that would test changes to [...] Read More
Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced amendments to its Medicare Program Integrity Manual in accordance with the 21st Century Cures Act to modify the procedures by which Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) arrive at Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs). While any move in the direction of increased transparency is laudable, it remains to be seen [...] Read More
In what it describes as an “overhaul” of the program, CMS released this evening a proposed rule making changes to its Shared Savings program for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Called “Pathways to Success,” the proposal significantly alters the ACO program that was established in 2011 and expanded in 2015. CMS estimates that these changes will save the [...] Read More
This evening, CMS released its final FY 2019 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Requirements. The final rule updates hospice payment rates for FY 2019 and finalizes CMS’ proposal to allow physician assistants as designated hospice attending physicians effective January 1, 2019. The rule also includes changes to the Hospice Quality [...] Read More
This evening, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2019 proposed payment rule for Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) and for the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) program. The rule contains changes to the DMEPOS competitive bidding program and proposals for DME fee schedule payments where competitive bidding is […]
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