In its annual proposed changes to benefit and payment parameters, CMS added several proposals governing state-based marketplaces, including network adequacy requirements, as well as provisions that will impact state Medicaid programs.

A Nov. 29 House hearing on the use of artificial intelligence in health care could have implications for AI applications and data privacy protections.

CMS released guidance outlining opportunities under Medicaid and CHIP for supporting efforts to address health-related social needs.

The agency hopes this proposed rule will improve communication among disputing parties, independent dispute resolution (IDR) entities and the department, as well as reduce the number of ineligible disputes considered for the IDR process.

A "laddered" measure to fund certain government projects and activities through Jan. 19 and others through Feb. 2 pushed back an $8 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments. Association advocacy will focus on further delaying or eliminating the cut after Jan. 19.

The proposed rule aligns state and federal marketplace requirements and includes several Medicaid provisions.

Missouri has extended postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months through the state plan authority established by the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021.

The rules maintain full Medicare Part B drug payment to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, revise site-neutral payment policies, and amend price transparency policies.

A proposed stop-gap funding measure in the House would delay an $8 billion Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) funding cut through Jan. 19, while Senate legislation would eliminate $16 billion in DSH cuts over the next two fiscal years.

CMS outlines tools for states to monitor Medicaid and CHIP managed care, along with new submission requirements for Medicaid managed care contracts.

CMS advises state Medicaid programs on adding questions about sexual orientation and gender identity to Medicaid and CHIP applications.

Essential hospitals that serve primarily Black patients in the southeastern United States are invited to participate in a hypertension management program.

The committee will examine policies to extend vital federal programs, including eliminating the next two years of scheduled Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding cuts.

A CDC advisory committee recommends providers wear masks during routine check-ups to prevent the spread of respiratory infections; FDA advises providers to ensure they administer the correct vaccination dosage to youth.

The rule covers Part B payment to 340B hospitals, site-neutral payment policies, price transparency requirements, and outpatient quality reporting.

The agency outlines its plan to remedy nearly five years of unlawful Medicare Part B cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program with $9 billion in lump-sum Outpatient Prospective Payment System payments.

To certify, hospitals must provide data for three greenhouse gas emission sources and an action plan to reduce emissions.

The final rule will decrease physician payments, expand access to telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries, target social determinants of health, and make other payment and quality reporting changes important to essential hospitals.

In the Nov. 2 rule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized its plan to make one-time, lump-sum payments totaling $9 billion to repay hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program for nearly five years of illegal cuts to Part B drug reimbursements.

To participate in the 340B program, offsite, outpatient facilities of 340B hospitals must be listed as reimbursable on the hospital’s most recently filed Medicare cost report (MCR), have outpatient cost and charges appearing on the MCR, and be registered in HRSA’s online covered entity database.

The proposed rule sets disincentives for health care providers to interfere with the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information.

The executive order calls for the formation of a Department of Health and Human Services Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force and tracking of AI-related clinical errors.

Newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) confronts a looming deadline to fund the federal government. Essential hospital advocates come to Washington, D.C., for the association's fall legislative fly-in, Policy Assembly.

CMS answers FAQ about separate CHIP programs, enrollment fees, and unpaid premiums related to a Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 provision requiring continuous enrollment for children in Medicaid and CHIP.

Health care provider resources include strategies for talking with patients about flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus vaccines.

Our proposal would codify a designation of essential hospitals in statute, allowing lawmakers to better target support to improve access to care and public health.

Unless Congress acts, $32 billion in DSH cuts over the next four years will undermine these hospitals and could push some to the brink. The scheduled DSH cuts include an $8 billion reduction on November 18, 2023 — more than two-thirds of all federal DSH spending annually.

We urge Congress to protect access to care for the most vulnerable communities and not enact further hospital site-neutral payment proposals, which would disproportionately and negatively impact essential hospitals.

The 340B program continues to work as Congress intended. America’s Essential Hospitals urges Congress and the administration to protect the 340B program and ensure all stakeholders comply with the law.

A new program will help organizations use tax credits, grants, and other support structures in the Inflation Reduction Act to invest in climate projects.

Under the state plan amendments, states can provide 24/7 Medicaid services to eligible individuals experiencing a behavioral health or substance use crisis.

Two new resources educate health care providers and patients about privacy and security of protected health information in telehealth.

The race for a House speaker resumes after Rep. Jim Jordan's (R-Ohio)'s Oct. 20 exit; site-neutral policies surface in a House subcommittee hearing.

This extension authorizes practitioners to prescribe schedule II–V controlled medications via telemedicine through Dec. 31, 2024.

The Republicans' House speaker nominee, Rep. Jim Jordan, of Ohio, failed to secure the votes needed on a first ballot, with 20 fellow GOP lawmakers voting against him. It was unclear whether he could win a majority to gain the speakership.