From the CMS Fact Sheet: CMS is working in partnership with providers to develop models of bundling payments through the Bundled Payments initiative. On August 23, 2011, CMS invited providers to apply to help test and develop four different models of bundling payments. Through the Bundled Payments initiative, providers have great flexibility in selecting conditions […]
From the CMS Press Release: Program To Purchase Durable Medical Equipment Beginning Second Phase CMS announced the next steps for a major expansion of a competitive bidding program that helps lower costs for quality durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies. The competitive bidding program uses competitions between suppliers to set new, lower payment rates […]
From the OCR Press Release: Grants Will Create Jobs and Improve Quality of Care, Public Health The grants will fund key State and local public health programs supported through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of the grants awarded, $35.8 million in Prevention and Public Health Fund dollars and $3.8 million in additional […]
From the CMS Press Release: Tax Credits To Help Millions Of Middle-Class Families Affordable Insurance Exchanges are expected to be one-stop marketplaces where consumers can choose a private health insurance plan that fits their health needs and have the same kind of insurance choices as members of Congress. Among other policies, the proposed rules describe […]
From the CMS Press Release: Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Demonstration Program CMS announced a new Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Demonstration designed to provide states with more flexibility and resources to care for Medicaid beneficiaries with mental illnesses. This demonstration provides up to $75 million in funding to states over three years, as authorized by the Affordable Care […]
From the HHS Press Release: All Participating Practices To Continue In 2-Year PGP Transition Demonstration CMS announced results from the initial Physician Group Practice (PGP) Demonstration, a landmark partnership with physician group practices that aims to better coordinate care across different settings, leading to improved quality and cost savings. After five years, this demonstration has […]
From the HHS Press Release: Efforts Give Consumers Information To Inform Their Care The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new tool for patients and caregivers and other enhanced initiatives today to empower consumers to make informed choices about their health care, and to help improve the quality of care in America’s […]
From the HHS Press Release: Final rule adopts measures for new IRF Quality Reporting Program CMS issued a final rule Friday that updates Medicare payment policies and rates for more than 1,200 freestanding and hospital-based inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) in Fiscal Year (FY) 2012. The final rule increases IRF payment rates under the IRF Prospective […]
From the HHS Press Release: Case-Mix Indexes Recalibrated Hospices serving people with Medicare will see a 2.5 percent increase in their Medicare payments for fiscal year (FY) 2012, according to a final regulation released by CMS. Hospices are also called upon to begin reporting on the quality of care received by Medicare patients, as a […]