Hospital Spending Growth Slows in 2017
Jan. 22—Hospital spending grew less than half as fast in 2017 as it did the year before, according to a recent economic trends analysis.
2018 CMS Plans: New Models, Cuts to Measures, and Simplification of CoPs
Jan. 18—Hospitals will see some of their leading regulatory concerns addressed in 2018 by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), according to the agency’s leader.
Policy Changes Needed to Sustain CAHs: Report
Jan. 17—New policies and legislation are needed to financially bolster critical access hospitals (CAHs), even as some such organizations may need to be downsized, according to a bipartisan report.
Medicare ACOs Increase by 18 Percent in 2018
Jan. 16—Medicare increased its number of accountable care organizations (ACOs) by 18 percent in 2018, even as a participation cliff looms for many.
Why Hospitals Support Kentucky’s Medicaid Waiver
Jan. 15—Kentucky’s recently approved Medicaid waiver has drawn criticism for implementing “work requirements,” but hospitals say the details make it more palatable.
HHS Nominee Would Support Mandatory Models
Jan. 11—Mandatory Medicare payment pilots could return under the leadership of the nominee to direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, he said this week.
Advisers See Good and Bad in New Voluntary Bundle
Jan. 10—Hospital participation in a new voluntary bundled payment program is expected to exceed that of any previous models, but the new program may not be right for every organization.
Medicaid Expansion Lessened Hospital Closures: Study
Jan. 9—The expansion of Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) helped prevent some hospital closures in those states, according to new research.
Proposed MA Change Positive for Plans: Analysts
Jan. 3—Proposed policy changes that were recently released for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans—coupled with expected rate increases—should boost those insurers, industry analysts say.
340B Suit Rejected—for Now
Jan. 2—Medicare payment cuts to hospitals in the 340B program went into effect Jan. 1 after a federal judge deemed too premature a last-minute request to block the new policy.