The drama on Capitol Hill continues. Democrats in the Senate are continuing to push a bill that would stop a 10.6 percent Medicare physician payment cut. To fund the cut, they propose to reduce funding to Medicare Advantage plans. President Bush said he will veto any bill that cuts funding to these plans. (Kaiser Network) An excerpt: CQ Today reports that the veto threat "will almost certainly force a compromise later this month." Senate Republicans have proposed a $14.9 billion, … [Read more...] about Senate Democrats Push Medicare Advantage Plans Cut
CMS to Test Medicare Bundled Payments
Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a program called the Acute Care Episode (ACE) to test hospital and physician services bundled payments in an effort to improve quality of care through Medicare fee-for-service. (Source) Under the current system, CMS pays the hospital a certain amount and pays physicians who cared for the patient separately. According to CMS, separate payment systems may lead to conflicts of interests and affect health care … [Read more...] about CMS to Test Medicare Bundled Payments
Texas Register Updates: CLASS Waiver Services, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the May 16 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) issued two public notices: 1) an intent to submit an amendment to the Texas Home Living waiver, which would revise the methodology for establishing the rates for reimbursing the Consumer Directed Services Agencies; and 2) an intent to submit to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services an amendment to the Community Living Assistance … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: CLASS Waiver Services, Etc.
Resolution Eliminates Medicaid and Medicare Reductions
In the on-going battle to eliminate Medicaid and Medicare program reductions, Democrats in Congress have come to an agreement on a fiscal year 2009 budget resolution. (Kaiser Network) The $3.3 trillion budget resolution rejects President Bush's proposed spending cuts for Medicaid and Medicare. Bush seeks to reduce spending on these programs by $195 billion. While both houses may pass the resolution, it may not survive a presidential veto. From the report: Senate Budget Committee ranking … [Read more...] about Resolution Eliminates Medicaid and Medicare Reductions
Medicare Durable Equipment Hearing on the Hill
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill continue to debate and discuss Medicare issues. This week, the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss the competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment. (Kaiser Network) Durable equipment includes prosthetics, orthotics, and other tools, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services is tasked with selecting suppliers based on bids. The program will expand to 70 additional Metropolitan Statistical Areas in 2009. An … [Read more...] about Medicare Durable Equipment Hearing on the Hill
Texas Register Updates: Veterans Nursing Facility Payment Rates, etc.
The following information was obtained from the April 11 issue of the Texas Register: Open Meetings and Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has announced a hearing on proposed state-owned veterans nursing facility payment rates. The hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2008, at 9 a.m., in the Permian Basin Room of the HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. HHSC will conduct a public rate hearing to receive comment on … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Veterans Nursing Facility Payment Rates, etc.
Medicare Physician Reimbursement Cut Delay?
A 10 percent reduction in reimbursements for Medicare physicians could be delayed for 18 months, if Democratic Congressman Max Baucus's plan is successful. (Kaiser Network) Medicare physicians will see their reimbursements cut by 10 percent beginning July 1, 2008. Under Baucus's plan, the cut would be delayed until 2010, and reimbursement rates would be raised by 1.1 percent. He also wants to increase and link reimbursements for primary care physicians (PCP) to quality of care. The … [Read more...] about Medicare Physician Reimbursement Cut Delay?
Texas Register Updates: Notice Correction, New Per Diem Rates
The following information was obtained from the April 4 issue of the Texas Register: Notices and Public Hearing The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued a correction to a public notice about its intent to submit Transmittal Number 08-000, Amendment Number 804, to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act in the February 1, 2008, issue of the Texas Register (33 TexReg 1001). The correct notice reads: HHSC announced … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Notice Correction, New Per Diem Rates
Medicare Advantage Reimbursements to Increase by 3.6 %
Next year, average reimbursements for private Medicare Advantage plans will increase by 3.6 percent, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on Monday. Last year's increase averaged 3.5 percent. (Associated Press) Approximately 22 percent of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in the private Medicare program. In related Medicare news, the American Association for Homecare believes CMS should delay implementing a Medicare competitive bidding program for durable … [Read more...] about Medicare Advantage Reimbursements to Increase by 3.6 %
CMS Changes Rules To Reduce Medicare Drug Plan Reassignments
On Monday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new rules that will allow low-income Medicare Part D prescription drug program beneficiaries to remain enrolled in their current plans instead of facing reassignment at the end of the year. The new rules will be effective May 31, 2008. (Source) The new rules apply to beneficiaries eligible for the low-income subsidy under Part D. Under the existing rule, beneficiaries in plans that charge no premium are automatically … [Read more...] about CMS Changes Rules To Reduce Medicare Drug Plan Reassignments
