The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the cycle year (CY) 2024 home health prospective payment and rate update proposed rule (fact sheet). What it is. The proposed rule outlines payments policies applying to home health agencies (HHAs) beginning January 1, 2024. Why it is important for you. The proposed rule covers various aspects, including providing information on… (Colocho, June 30, 2023) #Durable Medical Equipment, #Health Equity, #Home Health, #Hospice

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance explaining how the agency will apply the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) reduction to states that fail to meet reporting requirements as a part of the Medicaid continuous enrollment unwinding. CMS will review state-reported data on activities during the months that fall between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024… (Llamas, June 30, 2023) #Insurance Coverage

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) issued a request for information (RFI) inviting input on the Draft HHS 2023 Framework to Support and Accelerate Smoking Cessation. HHS aims to gather feedback regarding the Framework, which aims to enhance existing programs and promote smoking cessation, particularly among populations disproportionately affected by… (Colocho, June 29, 2023) #Care Coordination, #Health Equity, #Prevention, #Public Health, #Tobacco

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults,” focusing on evidence-based strategies to increase physical activity among adults aged 65 years and older. The report highlights the importance of physical activity for older adults and provides detailed recommendations for achieving the recommended levels of physical activity…. (Colocho, June 29, 2023) #Chronic Diseases, #Health Equity, #Home Health, #Nutrition, #Prevention, #Public Health, #Wellness

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced $31.5 million in grant awards to support behavioral health in children, youth, and young adults. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to addressing the overdose epidemic and mental health crisis. The $31.5 million was awarded across three programs:… (Marceno, June 28, 2023) #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Public Health

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the results of the Mental and Substance Use Disorders Prevalence Study (MDPS). The study aimed to fill the gaps in understanding mental illness by including populations such as individuals experiencing homelessness and institutionalized and incarcerated populations, all who experience disproportionately high rates of substance use and mental health disorders. Researchers conducted… (Marceno, June 28, 2023) #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Public Health

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a final rule establishing the civil monetary penalties (CMPs) for information blocking that were created by the 21st Century Cures Act. The rule also makes clear OIG’s authority to investigate claims of information blocking.  Information blocking policies, including regulated actors and exceptions, are developed by the HHS Office of… (McClurg, June 28, 2023) #Health Information Technology

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) hosted a Pride Summit to celebrate Pride month and discuss support for the LGBTQI+ community. The HHS Pride Summit aimed to highlight the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris Administration in improving access to health care services, promoting health equity, supporting identity affirmation, and advocating for civil rights for the LGBTQI+ community. Both Administration… (Colocho, June 27, 2023) #Health Equity, #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Prevention, #Public Health

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its calendar year (CY) 2024 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) prospective payment system (PPS) proposed rule (fact sheet). Details follow. What it is. This proposed rule outlines ESRD PPS payment policies applying to dialysis facilities beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2024. The rule also includes an update to acute kidney injury… (Marceno, Testa, McClurg, June 26, 2023) #End-Stage Renal Disease, #Hospitals

The House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations (O&I) convened a hearing to assess the implementation and effectiveness of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) – specifically, the two tracks in the Quality Payment Program (QPP): (1) Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs). As noted in the hearing… (Llamas, June 23, 2023) #Delivery Reform, #Physicians