Nick Hut

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Nick Hut

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Medicare’s final $9 billion remedy plan for 340B providers doesn’t address hospitals’ key concerns

Hospitals received final details on a $9 billion remedy payment plan for participants in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, with advocates expressing disappointment that corresponding reductions to other payments will go through as previously proposed. CMS issued a Nov. 2 final rule describing the terms of the remedy payment, which was necessitated after the Supreme…

Nick Hut November 3, 2023

With No Surprises Act independent dispute resolution changes pending, provider reps voice systemic concerns

The No Surprises Act’s arbitration process continues to be hampered by parties that don’t always follow the regulations, stakeholders expressed to CMS on Thursday. The agency hosted a forum to describe changes being made to the arbitration process, also known as independent dispute resolution (IDR). A proposed rule issued Oct. 27 introduces various technical changes…

Nick Hut November 2, 2023

News Briefs: Medicaid DSH payment cut barely averted in September, still possible in November

Hospitals received a last-day reprieve from substantial cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments, with House leaders reversing course Sept. 30 and ushering through a six-week government funding package. Language in the bill ensured the start of a four-year Medicaid DSH cut amounting to $32 billion was pushed back from Oct. 1 to Nov.…

Nick Hut October 31, 2023

HRSA curtails pandemic-era 340B flexibilities for hospitals’ off-campus outpatient facilities

In an expected move that stands to affect the savings reaped by health systems from the 340B Drug Pricing Program, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is tightening participation requirements for off-campus outpatient facilities. In a published alert, HRSA announced plans to end pandemic-related flexibilities that have made it easier for off-campus outpatient facilities…

Nick Hut October 31, 2023

Hospital, physician advocates disagree over the role of physician-owned hospitals as policymakers ramp up focus

Hospital advocacy groups hope to stanch momentum that’s building in policy circles to increase the number of physician-owned hospitals. The American Hospital Association (AHA) and Federation of American Hospitals (FAH) issued a joint statement Oct. 18, saying permitting greater numbers of physician-owned hospitals (POHs) would have adverse effects on healthcare costs, access and quality. The…

Nick Hut October 24, 2023

In response to a congressional RFI, provider advocates give input on ways to bolster rural healthcare

Hospital and physician groups were among the respondents to a request by a key congressional committee for information on improving rural healthcare. In an RFI issued in September, the House Ways and Means Committee sought policy solutions for augmenting access to — and the quality of — healthcare in relatively remote areas. “The committee will…

Nick Hut October 19, 2023

Amid positive signs financially, hospitals continue to grapple with high costs in labor and other areas

The latest financial metrics for the hospital sector reflect a period of increasing stability but also sustained challenges. August financial data from more than 1,300 hospitals, as reported by Syntellis Performance Solutions, showed improvements in key metrics. The month-over-month increase in median operating margin was 3.5 percentage points, helping the year-to-date margin rise to 1.4%…

Nick Hut October 17, 2023

Hospitals push back on Senate report that calls out lack of spending on charity care

Not-for-profit (NFP) hospitals continue to be the subject of congressional scrutiny, with the chair of a key Senate committee issuing a report that questions whether they provide levels of charity care that are commensurate with their tax exemption. The report was released Oct. 10 by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), chair of the Senate Health, Education,…

Nick Hut October 12, 2023

Healthcare labor union activity gains steam: The consequences for hospitals and health systems

Note: The lead section of this article was updated Oct. 16 with news of a tentative agreement between Kaiser Permanente and the unions. When around 75,000 staff at Kaiser Permanente went on strike for three days starting Oct. 4, they represented more than just the largest-ever labor stoppage in the healthcare industry. They also exemplified…

Nick Hut October 10, 2023

HHS: Insurers won’t be penalized if they don’t update their No Surprises Act qualifying payment amounts as required

Providers may not immediately benefit from a favorable court ruling that affects the methodology for determining the qualifying payment amount (QPA) under the No Surprises Act. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued guidance Oct. 6 that says the Biden administration will not enforce the court decision until at least May 1.…

Nick Hut October 9, 2023