July 16-20: Congress to Examine Stark Law Modifications; Verma Pledges Changes
July 12—As Congress gears up to examine statutory changes to the Stark Law next week, the Trump administration is planning to implement changes on an administrative basis.
Congress Pushes 340B Bills to Cut Eligibility, Increase Reporting
July 11—Members of Congress this week pushed emerging legislation to restrict the ability of hospitals and other providers to qualify for the 340B discount drug program and to increase their reporting requirements.
MA Gets Better Outcomes Despite Sicker Enrollees: Study
July 10—Contrary to general belief, Medicare Advantage (MA) plan enrollees are initially sicker than those in fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare, according to new research. And once enrolled, MA beneficiaries get better care at a lower cost.
Azar Promises Drugmaker Penalty Rule Coming
July 9—A five-times-delayed rule that would stiffen drugmaker penalties—among other provisions—will be implemented, the Trump administration’s healthcare policy leader told providers on Monday.
Transparency, Interoperability, DSH Changes Lead Hospital IPPS Concerns
July 6—Hospital advocates recently raised a range of concerns about proposed Medicare payment policy changes, including transparency and interoperability requirements and a new way to calculate uncompensated care payments.
Pilot to Offer APM Bonuses to Physicians in Medicare Advantage
July 3—Medicare plans to launch a pilot—as soon as this year—to allow physicians paid through Medicare Advantage value-based arrangements to qualify for the same bonuses as those working in advanced alternative payment models.
On Costs, Congress Eyes Transparency, Billing, Consolidation
July 2—Members of Congress say they are increasingly concerned about rising healthcare costs and are looking at policies around transparency, balance billing, and provider consolidation.
June 25-29: Congress to Focus on Healthcare Costs
June 21—A Senate committee next week plans the first in a series of hearings focused on ways to reduce healthcare costs.
Trump Administration to Replace Value-Based Payment Goal
June 20—Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar II has rejected the Obama administration’s goal of shifting 50 percent of Medicare payments to value-based payment models by the end of 2018.
Amid Clashes, Senators See Bipartisanship on Transparency
June 20—Members of Congress remain deeply divided over health insurance approaches but see a path to bipartisan agreement on transparency.