The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) will publish an informational chapter in the June 2023 report to Congress on the utilization and availability of behavioral health services for Medicare beneficiaries, in response to a request from then-Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA) of the House Ways and Means Committee in January 2022. In today’s presentation (attached), MedPAC staff presented data on the… (Llamas, January 12, 2023) #Mental and Behavioral Health

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released a draft research plan for its review of vitamin D, calcium, or combined supplementation to prevent falls and fractures in community-dwelling adults. The proposed key questions to be reviewed are: Does supplementation with vitamin D, calcium, or both prevent fractures and falls or reduce fracture- and fall-related morbidity and mortality? What are… (McClurg, January 12, 2023) #Nutrition

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on abuse and neglect among hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices. In the report, GAO describes the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid’s (CMS’s) definitions of abuse and neglect and any differences in CMS requirements for reporting and reporting to such abuse and neglect. Definitions The CMS general definitions for abuse and neglect are:… (McClurg, January 11, 2023) #Hospice, #Hospitals

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the following key dates for the first of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): By September 1, 2023, CMS will publish the first 10 Medicare Part D drugs selected for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. By September 1, 2024, the negotiated maximum fair… (Slifer, January 11, 2023) #Drug Pricing, #Medicare Part D, #Prescription Drugs

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a proposed rule that would prohibit employers from imposing non-compete clauses on workers (press release; fact sheet). What it is. The proposed “Non-Compete Clause Rule” would prohibit employers from entering non-compete clauses with all workers (including contractors), whether paid or unpaid. The proposed rule follows recent FTC settlements for allegedly illegal non-compete agreements imposed… (Testa, January 9, 2023) #Workforce

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a request for nominations for appointments to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC). MedPAC is an independent congressional agency that advises Congress on issues affecting the Medicare program. MedPAC is composed of 17 Commissioners and career staff and meets publicly to discuss policy issues and formulate recommendations to Congress. MedPAC appointments will be… (Colocho, January 9, 2023) #Program Integrity, #Public Health, #Quality

On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law the $1.7 trillion fiscal year Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023, also known as the Omnibus. The culmination of months of bipartisan negotiations, the package includes all 12 of the fiscal year 2023 appropriations bills, totaling $772.5 billion for non-defense discretionary programs and $858 billion in defense funding. In addition to the appropriations bills,… (WHG, January 6, 2023) #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Physicians, #Public Health, #Telehealth, #Women’s Health

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the results from its annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which details how U.S. residents experienced mental health and substance use disorders (SUD) in 2021 (press release). Context: The survey has been issued annually since 1971. The survey captures indicators across various areas such as substance use… (LaRosa, January 5, 2023) #Health Equity, #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Opioids

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance on options for states to address health-related social needs (HRSN) through the use of “in lieu of services and settings” (ILOS) policies in Medicaid managed care (guidance; press release). Background. ILOSs are alternative benefit designs in managed care programs that are established through Section 1115 waivers. These services can be… (McClurg, January 5, 2023) #Social Determinants of Health

The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) released an issue brief comparing Medicaid nursing facility payments to costs. Medicaid nursing facility payments include a base payment and supplemental payments reduced by provider contributions to the non-federal share of payments. States make adjustments to base payments based on resident acuity or case-mix, bed size, geography, or other characteristics. Payments… (McClurg, January 4, 2023) #Long-Term Care, #Long-Term Care Hospitals