Government: Page


  • Telehealth funds cut from 21st Century Cures, sources say

    Another source suggested that the committee is simply trying to downplay industry expectations. 

    By April 17, 2015
  • CMS releases first star ratings; only 251 hospitals get five stars

    Are the five-star ratings a meaningful reflection of performance? Some stakeholders say no. 

    By Heather Caspi • April 17, 2015
  • Trendline

    Surprise Billing

    Federal legislation banning surprise bills has hit a barrage of roadblocks, complicating efforts to protect consumers from unexpected out-of-network charges.

    By Healthcare Dive staff
  • Florida governor to sue feds over alleged Medicaid coercion

    The debate could set a precedent for whether the federal government will be able to put pressure on other states holding out against Medicaid expansion.  

    By Heather Caspi • April 17, 2015
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    CMS proposes 1.4% rate increase for skilled nursing facilities

    The increase matches the 2014 hike, but is a drop from the $750-million boost that SNFs received in 2015. 

    By April 16, 2015
  • Senate passes 'doc fix', repeals SGR

    The bill now goes to President Obama's desk, where it is expected that he will quickly sign it into law. 

    By April 15, 2015
  • New draft rule would shorten MU attestation period to 90 days

    The proposed rule would either reduce or eliminate other program requirements as well. 

    By April 13, 2015
  • Deep Dive

    CMS actuary says SGR bill is short-term fix

    On Friday, CMS' chief actuary released a report outlining some anticipated short-term and long-term financial effects.

    By Julie Henry • April 13, 2015
  • HIMSS15: Mostashari criticizes proposed relaxation of MU rules

    "For the first time I'm taking issue [with agency policy]," the former federal health IT coordinator said. 

    By April 13, 2015
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    Minnesota: State-created insurer can keep records private

    The court stated that the Minnesota Joint Underwriting Association "clearly and unambiguously is not a state agency."

    By Heather Caspi • April 10, 2015
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    Deep Dive

    Inside the controversial transition to a new Medicare Advantage risk-adjustment model

    According to one report, the new model will result in a 23% reduction in plan payments for people with chronic kidney disease.

    By Julie Henry • April 8, 2015
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    Study: Changing 'next of kin' definition creates challenges for providers

    If the next of kin is not recognized by state law, courts or ethics committees may have to become involved in life-or-death decisions. 

    By Julie Henry • April 8, 2015
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    CMS proposes rule to extend mental health parity to Medicaid, CHIP

    The proposed rule would affect more than 22 million people, but some say it isn't enough to overcome barriers to care for mental health patients. 

    By Julie Henry • April 8, 2015
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    AZ allows patients to order lab tests without physician order

    The legislation was signed in the midst of the ongoing controversy over Mark Cuban's claim that patients should get quarterly bloodwork to establish a "baseline." 

    By April 7, 2015
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    Medicare Advantage payments to rise in 2016

    According to CMS, insurers will likely see overall revenue increase by about 3.25%. 

    By April 6, 2015
  • Deep Dive

    Will the SGR fix impact medical malpractice?

    Proponents and critics of a key provision in the doc fix bill weigh in. 

    By Julie Henry • April 6, 2015
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    NJ insurers fight for change to out-of-network payment rules

    Health insurers say existing rules requiring them to pay for emergency care at full charge rates are imposing heavy costs.

    By April 2, 2015
  • CMS delays 'two midnight' rule enforcement for another 30 days

    The agency is giving Congress a chance to pass the "doc fix" bill before it takes action. 

    By April 2, 2015
  • FTC delays Advocate, NorthShore merger

    The deal would create a 16-hospital system with a reported $6.8 billion in combined revenue in 2013. How likely is it to receive agency approval?

    By April 2, 2015
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    Maryland may need to repay $30M to CMS for exchange setup

    The state failed to formally update its enrollment numbers and projections on the required timeline.

    By Heather Caspi • April 1, 2015
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    No more excuses: It's time to expand Medicaid

    Consider that healthcare stakeholders spend nine figures annually to lobby Washington.

    By March 31, 2015
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    Insurers show 'substantial' improvement in medical loss ratio compliance

    MLR rebates dropped from $1 billion to $325 million in three years.

    By Julie Henry • March 30, 2015
  • Obama administration releases plan to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria

    The plan takes aim at pathogens that the CDC has deemed serious or urgent threats.

    By Julie Henry • March 30, 2015
  • The case for national physician licensing for telehealth

    When licensing requirements were solidified state-by-state, telemedicine and the physician shortages weren't necessarily considerations.

    By March 27, 2015
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    Deep Dive

    Pros and cons: What 3 IT experts have to say about the MU Stage 3 proposal

    The patient engagement elements of the proposed rules in particular have drawn industry criticism. 

    By Heather Caspi • March 26, 2015
  • House passes 'doc fix' legislation

    The Senate is expected vote tomorrow, but passage is a little dicier. 

    By March 26, 2015