Medicare

Basic information and updates on the federal program to provide health insurance to the elderly.
10.01.2018  | Report Indicates Why Outpatient Care Costs May Be Rising
A new study indicates that Medicare patients who receive care in a hospital outpatient department are usually poorer and sicker than those treated in an MD's office.
09.24.2018  | While Lawsuits Continue, 340B Stewardship Principles Are Urged
The American Hospital Association last week announced 340B drug program “good stewardship principles.”
09.10.2018  | Hospitals File Suit to Halt 340B Cuts
AHA and other hospital interests filed suit in U.S. District Court to stop a nearly 30% reduction in Medicare payments to hospitals for purchase of outpatient drugs under the 340B program.
07.30.2018  | Hospitals Harmed by Proposed OPPS Rule
CMS issued its proposed Outpatient Prospective Payment System rule for FY19 last week and an initial review shows that it has the potential to adversely affect hospitals.
07.16.2018  | Clinicians Concerned About Their Scores Can Get a Review
Clinicians who participated in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System in 2017 can now access their final MIPS score and performance feedback.
04.30.2018  | Proposed Changes to Medicare Include Less Reporting
The IPPS proposed rule would significantly reduce the number of quality measures hospitals have to report.
04.16.2018  | Thoughts on Federal Opioid-Fighting Legislation
The U.S. House Ways & Means Committee has issued a white paper summarizing comments the committee received on the opioid crisis within the Medicare program.
02.26.2018  | Three Programs on Hospital Finances
The following three MHA Education Department programs are focused on hospital finances.
02.19.2018  | The Trump HHS Budget for Fiscal 2019
Last Monday, the Trump Administration released its FY2019 budget proposal.
02.12.2018  | Health Priorities in Federal Budget Bill
The federal budget package which passed last week after an hours-long government shutdown includes many important healthcare provisions.
02.12.2018  | New National Group to Address Big Healthcare Issues
A new healthcare policy/advocacy group – United States of Care – launched last week.
02.05.2018  | While Congress Delays, Medicare Moves Forward on Therapy Caps
CMS posted a statement saying that it would begin the process to implement the statutorily required therapy cap.
02.05.2018  | Will the New Spending Bill Once Again Target Medicare?
Hospitals are concerned that negotiations over how to raise budget caps may result in further Medicare cuts.
01.29.2018  | CHIP and the Short-Lived Shutdown
The three-day government shutdown came to an end last Monday when Congress passed a continuing resolution package.
01.22.2018  | What to Expect During a Government Shutdown
Since 1976 there have been 17 federal government shutdowns.
01.18.2018  | What’s On Tap on Capitol Hill
In Washington, the Senate returned last week and the House follows this week.
12.18.2017  | Tim Gens – the Heart and Soul of MHA – to Leave MHA
Tim Gens, who has provided the intellectual and compassionate foundation for MHA’s strategy and policy efforts for 23 years, announced he will leave the association, effective Dec. 31.
12.11.2017  | Current, and Future, Tax Bill Concerns
The House and Senate tax bills now moving to conference committee each contain provisions that are of concern to hospitals.
12.04.2017  | CMS Scraps Key Mandatory Bundled Payment Programs
Last Thursday CMS cancelled two mandatory bundled payment models – relating to hip fracture and cardiac care – that were scheduled to begin on January 1.
12.04.2017  | New Disaster Prep Rules are Now in Effect
Providers participating in the Medicaid or Medicare program are facing new “Conditions of Participation”

Resources

Click on the links below for easy access to important information related to state healthcare issues and advocacy.
Visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts websites below to find information on legislative hearings and other meetings of interest to the healthcare community.
To guide your navigation of the legislative process and assist your advocacy efforts, please visit the following state websites:
MHA has also developed the following documents for your information and benefit: