The PACE Program Receives its First Update Since 2006
CMS finalized a rule to update and modernize the PACE program. This rule is the first major proposed update to the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) since …
Comment Period for CMS’ Proposed 2020 Hospice Payment Rates Ends Soon
Last month, CMS released a new proposed rule, CMS-1714-P, which contained bad news for most hospice providers. If finalized as written, this rule would cut reimbursement for routine home care …
Medicare’s Hospital Insurance Trust Fund Will Run Out by 2026
The Hospital Insurance Trust Fund will only be able to fund about 89% of Medicare costs over the next seven years, according to a new report from CMS. This is …
CMS to Release Improvements to Nursing Home Compare in April
Today, CMS announced updates coming next month to Nursing Home Compare and the Five-Star Quality Rating System. The April 2019 changes include revisions to the inspection process, enhancement of new …
CMS Announces No Active Medicare Provider Enrollment Moratoria in any State
The Moratoria for Medicare Provider Enrollment has been lifted as of January 30, 2019, according to CMS. Providers can now enroll in all U.S. States and Territories. In previous years, …
Outpatient Facilities Continue to Grow, Despite CMS Threat
The CBRE Group has released a new report showing the number of outpatient facilities increased from 26,900 in 2005 to 40,400 in 2016. This represents an increase of 51%! As …
Hospital Prices are Public Starting Today!
Beginning today, patients will be able to access prices that hospitals charge for their services. This change is part of Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar’s broader value-based …
CMS Takes Steps to Ensure Adequate Staffing in Nursing Homes
CMS has announced an initiative to improve nursing home oversight and transparency. The goal of this new action is to ensure adequate staffing to meet residents’ needs. Facilities with higher …
The Physician Compare Preview Period is Closing Soon!
The Physician Compare 30 day preview period has been open since the end of November. Have you checked out your performance information yet? Don’t get caught by surprise – the …
Is it the Beginning of the End for the Affordable Care Act?
U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor issued a ruling last Friday on the case of Texas v. Azar, which invalidated the Affordable Care Act (ACA). President Trump has vowed to enforce …