Democrats on Capitol Hill are continuing their efforts to increase prescription drug regulation by introducing measures to expand the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authority “by requiring drug approvals to be paired with programs to manage risk once they reach the market.†(Source) One issue of contention is whether to use the user-fee agreement between the FDA and drug companies to implement these changes. The user-fee agreement will expire this year. Wall Street Journal … [Read more...] about Democratic Seek to Increase Prescription Drug Regulation
Archives for February 2007
Provider Letter: Joint Training Survey Announcement
In a new provider letter, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has asked assisted living facilities to complete a survey about their needs and preferences for future joint training courses. DADS offers courses to assisted living providers “related to common deficiencies and violations†and other topics of interest. To participate in the survey, follow this link. You may view the course offerings here and download the provider letter here. … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Joint Training Survey Announcement
Increased Medicare Reimbursements for Long Term Care Hospitals?
Last week, the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a 0.71 percent increase in standard Medicare reimbursement rates for long-term care hospitals for 2008. According to CMS, the rule would “assure appropriate payment for services by long-term acute care hospitals…to severely ill or medically complex patients, while providing incentives for more efficient care for Medicare beneficiaries.†Interested parties may comment on the proposed rule over the next 60 days, … [Read more...] about Increased Medicare Reimbursements for Long Term Care Hospitals?
Cost of Medicare Part D Lower Than Expected
According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the cost of Medicare Part D over 10 years will be $265 billion less than estimated last August. (Source) The Medicare prescription drug benefit will cost $38 billion this year and $675 billion from 2007 through 2016. CBO director Peter Orszag (pictured) said the lowered cost estimate is attributed to the "lower-than-expected bids" of prescription drug plans. "The bids are coming in, and the pricing is coming in better than anticipated, … [Read more...] about Cost of Medicare Part D Lower Than Expected
Texas Register: Notice of Intent to Renew Consultant Contract
In the February 2 issue of the Texas Register, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) published its intent to renew a consultant contract with Public Strategies, Inc. HHSC issued a request for proposals from consultants to procure technical expertise to assist in the strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of a Texas healthy marriage initiative. Public Strategies, Inc. won renewal of the contract. Unless HHSC receives a “better offer,†it will extend the … [Read more...] about Texas Register: Notice of Intent to Renew Consultant Contract
