In its June report to Congress, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission considers oversight of managed care directed payments and examines Medicaid's role in advancing health equity.

The tool compiles existing guidance to help states prepare to return to regular Medicaid operations after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends.

The agency's strategy to strengthen behavioral health care focuses on improving access, equity, quality, and data integration.

CMS on May 25 approved proposals in four states to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year after birth.

A new advisory from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, calls for a whole-of-society approach to protect and support health workers facing burnout.

The webpage includes renewal instructions for eligible beneficiaries and guidance for ineligible beneficiaries to secure insurance through the marketplaces.

A new CMS resource highlights federal requirements for program renewals, verifications, applications, and oversight amid the anticipated COVID-19 public health emergency unwinding.

The current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, 1.800.273.8255, will transition to 988 on all devices on July 16.

The association urged HHS to provide funding, educate stakeholders, and build capacity to execute the 2022 Environmental Justice Strategy and Implementation Plan.

HHS urges governors to start planning for the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency; FDA authorizes a Pfizer booster vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.

New HHS initiatives focus on climate change, health equity, and the role health care stakeholders can play in promoting climate resilience.

The final rule raises the essential community provider threshold from 20 to 35 percent and uses wait time standards to evaluate qualified health plans for network adequacy.

In a white paper, the association encourages CMS to develop policies that reduce disparities and incorporate equity into waiver approval and evaluation processes.

Hospitals and other industry stakeholders are invited to pledge by June 3 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase their climate resilience.

America's Essential Hospitals generally supports the tool, as it will direct investments to target several social determinants of health, but recommended the tool show aggregate data at the state and county levels.

The independent dispute resolution process can be initiated to resolve payment disputes between health care providers and issuers.

The association made recommendations on payment rates, workforce development, eligibility and enrollment policies, and measuring access to hospital services.

Two new documents provide guidance for health care providers on No Surprises Act compliance and good faith estimates for uninsured or self-pay patients.

CMS shares tools to mitigate an anticipated increase in Medicaid fair hearing requests and resume normal operations after the COVID-19 public health emergency ends.

In its March report to Congress, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission examines the relationship between Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) allotments, uncompensated care costs, and services for low-income, uninsured populations.

A State Health Official letter includes guidance for states to prepare for the COVID-19 public health emergency unwinding and return to regular Medicaid program operations.

The court ruled the qualifying payment amount should not be the main factor in determining payment for out-of-network services in independent dispute resolution.

Through a request for information, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services hopes to better understand enrollees' barriers to coverage and access to care to inform future policies and regulatory actions. A 60-day public comment period began Feb. 17.

An estimated 5.8 million people newly gained coverage during this open enrollment period; 32 percent of consumers using the federal marketplace selected a plan that costs them $10 or less per month. Enrollment remains open through Jan. 31 in five states and the District of Columbia.

Each awardee will receive up to $1.5 million for a three-year period to reduce the number of uninsured children by advancing Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program enrollment and retention. Grant applications are due March 28.

HHS awarded $103 million to improve health care worker retention by reducing staff burnout and promoting mental wellness. Several essential hospitals were among the awardees, including the University of New Mexico, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the University of Utah.

In response to the proposed rule for the 2023 plan year, the association urged the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure equitable access, finalize nondiscrimination policies, standardize collection of Z codes, and prorate premiums and advanced premium tax credits.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released guidance and example templates for good faith estimates and the surprise billing patient-provider dispute resolution process.

New guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reviews the timeline for open negotiations and initiating the federal independent dispute resolution process under the No Surprises Act.