The Congressional Research Service (CRS) released a Legal Sidebar analyzing the implications of the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) finalization of a new rule under Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) (Impact Health summary of the final rule). The final rule applies antidiscrimination requirements to any health program or activity that receives federal… (Colocho, May 6, 2024) #Health Equity, #Women’s Health

The Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury (the Departments) released Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Part 67 to extend the qualifying payment amount (QPA) enforcement discretion under the No Surprises Act until November 1, 2024. Background. In August 2023, the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Texas issued an opinion and order in the Texas Medical Association… (Slifer, May 3, 2024) #Hospitals, #Insurance Reform, #Physicians

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule to revise the definition of “lawfully present” in order to expand eligibility for health insurance coverage through the Exchange and Basic Health Program to recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program (press release; fact sheet). What it is. Under current federal regulations, DACA recipients are… (Marceno, May 3, 2024) #Health Equity, #Health Insurance Exchanges, #Insurance Coverage, #Qualified Health Plans

The Senate Finance Committee and the House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee held hearings focused on the cyberattack that targeted Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group (UHG), leading to widespread disruptions in the health care sector (Senate hearing available here, House hearing available here). UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty testified before both Committees, facing bipartisan scrutiny… (Colocho, May 2, 2024) #Health Information Technology, #Hospitals, #Physicians, #Privacy, #Transparency

The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) convened a hearing to address pressing issues within the health care system, focusing on the underrepresentation of minority health care professionals and the alarming rate of maternal mortality, particularly affecting communities of color. Throughout the session, committee members delved into bipartisan strategies to enhance maternal health outcomes and foster diversity within the… (Eisen, 1/1/70) #Delivery Reform, #Graduate Medical Education (GME), #Health Equity, #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Prevention, #Public Health, #Social Determinants of Health, #Women’s Health

The House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee convened a legislative hearing to consider 19 pieces of proposed legislation to address Medicaid access and program integrity. The hearing featured testimony from CMS Deputy Administrator Daniel Tsai, and members had the opportunity to address CMS directly on areas of focus. Republicans used the hearing as an opportunity to reinforce key messages of… (Marceno, May 1, 2024) #Delivery Reform, #Primary Care, #Program Integrity

The Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Civil Rights (OCR) released a final rule (press release; fact sheet) entitled, “Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Service Programs or Activities.” The rule is intended to advance equity and strengthen protections for individuals with disabilities by amending regulations for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of… (Joyce, May 1, 2024) #Health Equity

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) finalized changes the Health Breach Notification Rule (HBNR), aimed at clarifying its applicability to health apps and other emerging technologies. The final rule comes in response to the increasing collection of health data by businesses and the growing need for timely notification in case of breaches, especially in the context of mobile health app developers… (Colocho, April 29, 2024) #Health Information Technology, #Privacy, #Transparency

HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced $105 million today in funding for the Healthy Start program which exists to address disparities and improve health outcomes before, during and after pregnancy (see program details).  The funding will support more than 100 community-based organizations that are working to address disparities and improve maternal and infant health through an array of community-level interventions. Interventions… (Joyce, 1/1/70) #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Public Health, #Quality, #Social Determinants of Health, #Wellness, #Women’s Health

The Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) announced it finalized a Foundational Rule aimed at codifying protections for unaccompanied children. This rule, building upon and surpassing the 1997 Flores Settlement Agreement, establishes clear standards and protections for ORR’s Unaccompanied Children (UC) Program. What it is. The Foundational Rule surpasses the requirements of the Flores… (Colocho, April 29, 2024) #Care Coordination, #Health Equity, #Pediatrics, #Public Health