Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) released draft legislation (section-by-section; press release) to improve the Medicare Graduate Medical Education (GME) program and provide new residency slots. What it is. This draft legislation follows the Senate Medicare GME Working Group’s policy framework and request for information released in May of this year. Why it’s important for you. The draft bill… (McClurg, December 19, 2024) #Graduate Medical Education (GME)

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Office of the Actuary (OACT) recently released the National Health Expenditures 2023 Estimates, providing a detailed look into U.S. healthcare spending (infographic). In 2023, total health spending reached $4.9 trillion, marking a 7.5% increase from the previous year, outpacing the slower growth rates seen in 2021 and 2022. This rise was primarily… (Eisen, December 19, 2024) #Budget, #Costs, #COVID-19, #Hospitals, #Physicians

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI/Innovation Center) announced four state Medicaid agencies, Michigan, New York, Oklahoma, and South Carolina, have been selected for the Innovation in Behavioral Health Model (IHPP Summary). The purpose of the IBH Model is to assist participating practices in enhancing access to and promoting high-quality integrated care. Oklahoma has elected to run its model… (Marceno, December 18, 2024) #Mental and Behavioral Health, #Opioids, #Prevention