The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP), enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act, imposes penalties against hospitals that have higher-than-expected rates of readmissions of patients with certain conditions. However, HRRP defined … [Read more...] about Increased Use of Observation Stays Undermined Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program
Archives for December 2022
HHS Inspector General: Too Many Nursing Home Residents Still Inappropriately Receive Psychotropic Medications
The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports that, from 2011 through 2019, about 80% of long-stay nursing home residents were prescribed a psychotropic drug (defined as “any drug that affects brain activities associated with mental processes and … [Read more...] about HHS Inspector General: Too Many Nursing Home Residents Still Inappropriately Receive Psychotropic Medications
Center for Medicare Advocacy Weighs in on IRA Implementation
The Center for Medicare Advocacy was honored to participate in a recent meeting with leadership of the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and a group of Medicare advocacy organizations to discuss implementation of the Inflation Reduction … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Weighs in on IRA Implementation
Provisions of Recently Passed Medicare Drug Bill in Effect Next Month – January 2023
As discussed in a recent CMA Alert (Aug. 18, 2022), President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 on August 16, 2022. This bill includes historic prescription drug provisions that will soon be of significant benefit to … [Read more...] about Provisions of Recently Passed Medicare Drug Bill in Effect Next Month – January 2023
Nursing Home Reform: Where Are We Now? Where Do We Need to Go?
Last month, the White House announced additional steps to implement President Biden’s comprehensive nursing home reform agenda, which he originally announced in February. The White House described why nursing home reform is so needed … [Read more...] about Nursing Home Reform: Where Are We Now? Where Do We Need to Go?
WHO Issues Guidance on Sustaining Telemedicine Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic
In the nearly three years since the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) was enacted, the use of telehealth services by Medicare beneficiaries has increased by over 6,000%. Telehealth’s efficacy has been closely examined as its use has expanded … [Read more...] about WHO Issues Guidance on Sustaining Telemedicine Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic
Center for Medicare Advocacy Sues, Again, for Coverage of “Off-label” Prescription Drug
On November 18, 2022, the Center for Medicare Advocacy and Murphy Orlando LLC filed suit on behalf of a retired public-school teacher in New Jersey who seeks coverage of her “off-label” (non-FDA-approved) use of a critically needed medication. … [Read more...] about Center for Medicare Advocacy Sues, Again, for Coverage of “Off-label” Prescription Drug
Report | Trained Workers in Nursing Homes, a Requirement Since 1990, Threatened
When the Nursing Home Reform Law was enacted in 1987, half of the states did not require that nurse aides receive any training in how to do their jobs. One of the major changes mandated by the Reform Law was the requirement that every nurse aide be … [Read more...] about Report | Trained Workers in Nursing Homes, a Requirement Since 1990, Threatened
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Ends December 7th
The Medicare Annual Coordinated Election Period (AEP) – the period during which individuals with Medicare can make coverage choices for the coming year – ends next Wednesday, December 7th. During this time, people can enroll in, switch, or get … [Read more...] about Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Ends December 7th