The 11-member Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee(PTAC) established by MACRA to consider whether models submitted by stakeholders qualify as Medicare alternative payment models voted to move forward on proposals for two alternative payment models for review by the HHS secretary. One model, the Patient and Caregiver Support for Serious Illness model, was submitted by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. The second model is the Advanced Care Model … [Read more...] about Two new proposals address alternative payment models for patients in Palliative Care.
Texas Biometric Privacy Law restricts certain “biometric identifiers.” Only three states have laws regulating the collection and storage of Biometric data.
Healthcare is rapidly expanding the use of biometric information with hospitals utilizing fingerprinting to secure patient electronic data. Employers are also using the technology which debaters argue could compromise an individual’s right to privacy. However, new laws continue to create protection and security through the use of biometric information. “Biometrics” are biological measurements that cannot be replicated of individual biological patterns or characteristics such as fingerprints, … [Read more...] about Texas Biometric Privacy Law restricts certain “biometric identifiers.” Only three states have laws regulating the collection and storage of Biometric data.
Medicare Extra for All Plan: A Universal Healthcare plan backed by Progressives and Conservatives.
A proposal was recently released by the Center for American Progress (CAP) for Medicare Extra, an enhanced version of the Medicare program and a plan to guarantee universal health coverage in the United States. The plan would be available to all Americans, regardless of income, health status, age, or insurance status. According to reports, Medicare Extra highlights and tries to resolve the reasons for the high cost of the American healthcare system head-on by placing caps on doctor and … [Read more...] about Medicare Extra for All Plan: A Universal Healthcare plan backed by Progressives and Conservatives.
MyHealthEData Initiative to give patients control and access to Healthcare data
In a press release by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) MyHealthEData, a Trump initiative was announced as a way to empower healthcare patients by giving them control of their healthcare data, and allowing it to follow them through their healthcare journey. "CMS launched the “Blue Button 2.0” tool, calls on all health insurers to make data available to patients. According to the press release: The government-wide MyHealthEData initiative is led by the White House Office … [Read more...] about MyHealthEData Initiative to give patients control and access to Healthcare data
Trump proposes new rule for affordable Healthcare: Limited duration health plan for 364 day
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and the Trump administration are proposing new regulations for short-term health insurance plans, focusing on value-based care as a priority. According to reports, Azar's speech focused on value-based care, an approach in which doctors and hospitals are reimbursed by private health insurance and the government for how well patients emerge after a medical procedure versus the amount of care provided. The proposed rule — which would allow people to … [Read more...] about Trump proposes new rule for affordable Healthcare: Limited duration health plan for 364 day
Texas, and 19 other states battle Affordable Care Act as “unconstitutional” in Federal Court
More than 8.8 million Americans are enrolled in the Affordable Care Act healthcare law spearheaded by President Barack Obama. An unpopular mandate of the Affordable Care Act, a tax penalty for the uninsured was repealed by a bill passed by Congress and signed by President Trump in December. Now, Texas is among 20 states where 20 Republican state attorneys general are suing to overturn the law, asking a federal court to hold the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and the … [Read more...] about Texas, and 19 other states battle Affordable Care Act as “unconstitutional” in Federal Court
“Medicare Extra for All” plan proposed for universal healthcare
A new plan signals revived interest in public options and even Medicare-for-all. To address healthcare challenges, the Center for American Progress proposes a new system— Medicare Extra that would include important enhancements to the current Medicare program: an out-of-pocket limit, coverage of dental care and hearing aids, and integrated drug benefits. Medicare Extra would be available to all Americans, regardless of income, health status, age, or insurance status. According to reports, the … [Read more...] about “Medicare Extra for All” plan proposed for universal healthcare
Elderly patients at risk at Nursing homes that overmedicate
National reports by Human rights advocates say that nursing homes are overprescribing antipsychotics to patients. According to the latest data from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, known as CMS, the percentage of long-term nursing home residents being given antipsychotic drugs dropped from about 24 percent in late 2011 to under 16 percent last year. Yet advocacy groups reveal that misuse of drugs remains a major problem in nursing facilities. The findings outlined in a … [Read more...] about Elderly patients at risk at Nursing homes that overmedicate
Government’s two-year spending plan includes $1.9 billion Nursing home cuts
According to reports, nursing home cuts will freeze skilled nursing facilities' share of the “market basket” at a 2.4% increase in October. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) had previously projected a 2.7% hike, though the final rate won't be set until CMS announces its proposed rules for 2019. The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) President and CEO Mark Parkinson issued the following statement regarding the Senate budget proposal: “We are … [Read more...] about Government’s two-year spending plan includes $1.9 billion Nursing home cuts
New Hospice Care Law allows Physician Assistants to manage Hospice care for Medicare Patients
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2019, physician assistants can now supervise cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs under the Medicare program as well as provide and manage Hospice care for terminally ill Medicare patients. The extended medical privileges for physicians assistants could benefit Medicare beneficiaries who live in medically underserved and rural communities, where a PA might be the only available medical professional to provide some services, according to news reports. According to … [Read more...] about New Hospice Care Law allows Physician Assistants to manage Hospice care for Medicare Patients