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policy

This legislation would codify 340B Drug Pricing Program providers’ ability to use contract pharmacies to dispense 340B discounted drugs.

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policy

The 340B program continues to work as Congress intended. We urge Congress and the administration to protect the program and ensure all stakeholders comply with the law.

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policy

Congressional negotiators were at odds this week over extending government funding beyond the March 1 and 8 expirations of current temporary funding measures, the latter of which includes a delay to Medicaid DSH cuts.

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policy

A key health committee in the House examined potential solutions to chronic drug shortages, and a Senate health panel heard drug industry testimony on the causes of high drug prices. House Energy and Commerce Chair McMorris Rodgers announces she's not seeking reelection.

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policy

The draft includes proposals regarding manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies, patient definition, transparency, and other aspects of the drug discount program. It follows a request for information issued by a bipartisan working group of senators last year.

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policy

Bipartisan legislation from a group of senators would remove a requirement that Medicare beneficiaries be seen in person within six months of receiving behavioral health services via telehealth.

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policy

The ranking member of the Senate HELP Committee has asked several large contract pharmacies for information as part of his investigation into how health care entities leverage the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

House legislation would eliminate $16 billion of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts over two years, an advocacy priority for America's Essential Hospitals. However, the bill includes site-neutral payment and pricing transparency provisions the association opposes.

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policy

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.

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policy

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

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policy

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.

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policy

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.

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While America's Essential Hospitals appreciates the timely action on a final rule to remedy unlawful payment cuts to 340B hospitals, we continue to disagree with the administration's position that it must recoup these payments in the name of budget neutrality.

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policy

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.

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policy

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.

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The reversal of 2020 Health Resources and Services Administration guidance will significantly harm essential hospitals and curb their ability to serve patients where they live and work.

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state-action

California joins 28 states that have passed laws to prevent pharmacy benefit managers from discriminating against 340B Drug Pricing Program providers.

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Essential Insights

This week, tell political leaders what the 340B Drug Pricing program means to your hospital and what will happen if further restrictions are implemented.

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policy

In its response to a committee request for information on health care access in underserved areas, America's Essential Hospitals urged lawmakers to ensure support for Medicare disproportionate share hospital funding and other essential hospital priorities.

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policy

The 11th-hour measure to fund the federal government through Nov. 17 pushed back a damaging $8 billion cut to Medicare disproportionate share hospital payments that had been scheduled for Oct. 1.

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policy

America's Essential Hospitals called on CMS to provide an adequate annual payment update to cover the effects of inflation and rising workforce costs.

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policy

America’s Essential Hospitals urged CMS to swiftly finalize a remedy to repay 340B hospitals for five years of Medicare Part B drug payment cuts.

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policy

In its response to a House panel's request for feedback on a discussion draft on ways to address national drug shortages, America's Essential Hospitals said shortages disproportionately harm essential hospitals, and it refuted claims the 340B Drug Pricing Program contributes to the problem.

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policy

While lawmakers are home during August recess, we encourage you to invite your congressional delegation to visit your hospital and urge them to support essential hospital priorities.

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policy

Hospitals have until Sept. 11 to complete recertification for the 340B Drug Pricing Program through the Office of Pharmacy Affairs Information System.

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policy

In its response to a bipartisan group of senators, America's Essential Hospitals urges lawmakers to resist drug industry attacks on the 340B Drug Pricing Program and to protect the program's benefits to essential hospitals and marginalized patients.

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policy

Proposed rules for Medicare’s OPPS and PFS for calendar year 2024 would 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, among other changes.

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webinar

Join America’s Essential Hospitals Policy Manager Shahid Zaman Esq. to examine CMS’ proposed remedy for unlawful 340B cuts and next steps for essential hospital advocacy.

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policy

The rule revises site-neutral payment policies, updates price transparency requirements, and changes outpatient quality reporting, among other provisions.

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policy

In its response to House Republican committee leaders, the association rebutted claims that the 340B Drug Pricing Program contributes to drug shortages and underscored the ways the program supports patient care.

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policy

CMS proposes to remedy five years of unlawful cuts to Medicare Part B reimbursement for separately payable drugs with lump-sum payments expected in late 2023 or early 2024.

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policy

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposes to remedy nearly five years of unlawful Part B cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program with $9 billion in lump-sum Outpatient Prospective Payment System payments.

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We are pleased the administration proposes lump-sum reimbursements to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program to remedy years of unlawful cuts to Medicare outpatient drug payments.

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state-action

Connecticut, Iowa, Louisiana, and Nevada join 24 states in protecting 340B Drug Pricing Program providers from discriminatory pharmacy benefit manager practices.

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state-action

The law requires reporting of aggregate 340B drug acquisition costs, payments received, and aggregate payments to contract pharmacies for drug dispensing.

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policy

Bipartisan legislation, endorsed by America's Essential Hospitals, would extend pandemic-era access to virtual care for Medicare patients. A bipartisan group of six Senate offices issued a request for information on the 340B Drug Pricing Program; the association will respond.

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policy

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee will consider a bill to reauthorize the Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education program, which America's Essential Hospitals endorses to ease the workforce crisis.

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policy

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved a measure to eliminate $16 billion of cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding as part of a package that also includes measures for pricing transparency and site-neutral payments.

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policy

Language to avert an $8 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments passed the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee by a 27-0 vote as part of the panel's consideration of 17 health-related bills.

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policy

The letter expressed concern with reports that HRSA no longer will allow hospitals to administer 340B drugs in offsite outpatient locations that have not yet appeared on a filed Medicare cost report.

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policy

House panels last week heard testimony on a variety of issues important to essential hospitals, including looming cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding, workforce shortages and training, and the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee will hear testimony on legislation to address the nation's health care workforce shortage. Meanwhile, two House lawmakers circulate a sign-on letter to build support for a bill to bolster physician training.

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state-action

A New Mexico law will prevent pharmacy benefit managers from discriminating against 340B Drug Pricing Program providers.

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policy

The bipartisan PROTECT 340B Act would prohibit discriminatory practices by insurers and pharmacy benefit managers against 340B Drug Pricing Program providers and their contract pharmacies.

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policy

In the House and Senate, lawmakers discuss the need for 340B Drug Pricing Program reforms and how pharmacy benefit manager practices affect the program's value to marginalized patients.and communities.

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policy

At two Senate hearings, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra presented the Biden administration's health care budget. In a joint statement, America's Essential Hospitals and other organizations raised concerns about a new alliance between drug companies and community health centers.

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policy

To exclude 340B drugs from Medicare Part B inflation rebates required by the Inflation Reduction Act, providers must identify 340B drugs on Medicare claims. 

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Hospital and pharmacist advocates for safety net health care and affordable prescription drugs are united in their firm opposition to a misguided effort by the drug industry and some community health centers that would restrict access to the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

Key health committees in the House and Senate issue requests for information — one on reauthorizing the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act and another to examine health care workforce shortages.

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policy

More than 70 Policy Assembly attendees visited congressional offices to share association priorities, including eliminating $16 billion in Medicaid DSH cuts over the next two fiscal years, protecting the 340B Drug Pricing Program, and establishing a federal designation for essential hospitals.

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policy

The association asked that CMS swiftly make 340B hospitals whole for reduced Medicare Part B reimbursement from 2018 to fall 2022, plus applicable interest.

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policy

Drug manufacturers that increase prices faster than the inflation rate must pay rebates to Medicare; comments on this policy are due to CMS March 11.

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The decision by the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit allows drug companies to continue their unconscionable and harmful restrictions on 340B discounts for drugs dispensed through contract pharmacies and jeopardizes access to lifesaving medications for disadvantaged patients.

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policy

America's Essential Hospitals and other plaintiffs had asked the judge to order an immediate repayment in full for five years of underpayments to 340B hospitals.

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We are disappointed the district court gave the Department of Health and Human Services discretion in how to remediate the department’s unlawful payment cuts for 340B hospitals.

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policy

Citing policy and operational challenges with implementing the administrative dispute resolution process as created in a 2020 final rule, HRSA proposes a less formal ADR process that it believes will be less burdensome for parties submitting claims.

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policy

The proposed administrative dispute resolution process delegates the majority of decision-making authority to Office of Pharmacy Affairs staff and has no minimum monetary threshold for claims.

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policy

The final rule reverses Medicare Part B drug payment cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, continues site-neutral payment policies, and revises the inpatient-only list, among other proposed changes.

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policy

The Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System final rule for calendar year 2023 reverses cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and delays developing a remedy for cuts to 340B hospitals that have been in place since 2018.

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policy

The decision to revert to the full payment rate is in compliance with a recent federal district court decision in favor of America’s Essential Hospitals.

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policy

On Sept. 30, Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed legislation to fund the federal government through Dec. 16. The legislation also continues several federal health programs through that same date and extends U.S. Food and Drug Administration user fees for five years.

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policy

A federal district court ruled that HHS must pay hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program the full Medicare Part B drug payment rate for the remainder of calendar year 2022.

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policy

America's Essential Hospitals urges CMS to swiftly restore full Medicare Part B drug payment rates for hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and define a select group of hospitals with a safety net mission.

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policy

The annual 340B Drug Pricing Program recertification period for hospitals began Aug. 24. Hospitals will have until Sept. 19 to complete the process.

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state-action

The lawsuit alleges that, since acquiring third party administrator Wellpartner in 2017, CVS required 340B covered entities to work with Wellpartner.

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policy

The Aug. 22 webinar will complement other federal resources on the annual 340B Drug Pricing Program recertification period for hospitals, open from Aug. 24 to Sept. 19.

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policy

A proposed rule for Medicare’s Outpatient Prospective Payment System for calendar year 2023 would reverse Medicare Part B drug payment cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, continue site-neutral payment policies, and revise the inpatient-only list, among other proposed changes.

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state-action

This State Policy Snapshot explores how legislatures are responding to the recent discriminatory actions by pharmacy benefit managers and other payers by enacting 340B-related nondiscrimination legislation.

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policy

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) again halts Build Back Better human infrastructure package negotiations; House lawmakers will vote on a FY 2023 appropriations minibus.

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policy

The Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule for calendar year 2023 reverses cuts to 340B Drug Pricing Program hospitals and seeks comment on remedying existing cuts to 340B hospitals.

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CMS' intention to fully restore payments for 340B-acquired drugs takes an important step toward reversing the damage caused by years of cuts the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously found unlawful.

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policy

In a resounding victory for essential hospitals, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of America’s Essential Hospitals in its years-long legal challenge to restore full Medicare payment rates for 340B Drug Pricing Program hospitals.

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We are pleased that the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously agreed with us that the Department of Health and Human Services’ outpatient payment cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program were unlawful.

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policy

Ensuring a reliable safety net, one ready to meet the moment in any crisis, means robustly protecting and bolstering the mechanisms and ideals that make the safety net function.

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policy

The House-passed bill does not allocate additional COVID-19 relief for providers on the front lines of the pandemic. An initial version of the legislation included $15.6 billion in COVID-19 related spending — a scaled-back version of the $22.5 billion requested by the Biden administration.

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state-action

The laws prohibit pharmacy benefit managers and insurance companies from discriminating against 340B Drug Pricing Program contract pharmacies and covered entities.

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Egwim brings extensive experience to his new role, and we look forward to working with him to protect the access to affordable drugs the 340B Drug Pricing Program creates for low-income patients.

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state-action

States argue shifting pharmacy benefits from managed care to Medicaid fee-for-service can lead to savings, but removing 340B Drug Pricing Program benefits for managed care drugs can jeopardize essential hospitals' 340B savings — a critical source of support.

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policy

In separate bipartisan letters, lawmakers called on the Biden administration to help mitigate dire hospital workforce shortages, particularly among nurses, and protect the 340B Drug Pricing Program from harmful drug manufacturer actions.

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policy

Final rules for Medicare’s OPPS and PFS for CY 2022 continue Medicare Part B drug payment cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program; continue site-neutral payment policies; and halt elimination of the inpatient-only (IPO) list.

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policy

The Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System final rule for calendar year 2022 continues cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and pauses elimination of the inpatient-only list. The rule also includes provisions on price transparency, rural emergency hospitals, and health equity.

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By maintaining harmful cuts to outpatient drug payments for hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and for services at hospital outpatient clinics, the 2022 Outpatient Prospective Payment System final rule jeopardizes safety net care.

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policy

President Joe Biden last week announced a $1.75 trillion framework for "human infrastructure" reconciliation legislation; the House subsequently released updated legislative text for its human infrastructure bill that aims to close the Medicaid coverage gap.

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policy

America's Essential Hospitals urged CMS to finalize withdrawal of the Trump administration's Most Favored Nation Model, citing procedural deficiencies, ongoing legal challenges, and significant reduction in provider payment rates.

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policy

In response to the calendar year 2022 Outpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule, America's Essential Hospitals urged CMS to halt elimination of the inpatient-only list and to restore adequate payment to hospitals in the 340B program and to off-campus provider-based departments.

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policy

The comprehensive plan includes potential legislative and administrative actions that could be used to lower drug prices. The plan also notes the importance of the 340B Drug Pricing Program and its role in supporting the health care safety net.

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We thank the Biden Administration for strongly supporting the 340B Drug Pricing Program in its plan to tackle high drug prices, and we urge policymakers to dismantle barriers to affordable drugs that now threaten the program.

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policy

Hospitals have until Sept. 13 to complete 340B Drug Pricing Program recertification through the Office of Pharmacy Affairs Information System.

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policy

In a letter to Democratic congressional leadership, the association urges consideration of essential hospital priorities — including funding for critical workforce and hospital infrastructure needs and protecting the 340B Drug Pricing Program — in forthcoming budget reconciliation legislation.

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policy

The annual 340B Drug Pricing Program recertification period for hospitals will begin Aug. 16. Hospitals will have until Sept. 13 to complete the process.

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policy

The Senate released much-anticipated legislative language for a $1.2 trillion bipartisan physical infrastructure package. While the legislation includes no major health care policies, it does list several health care changes to help pay for new spending.

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policy

Proposed rules for Medicare’s Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Physician Fee Schedule would continue Medicare Part B cuts, continue site-neutral policies, and halt the phase-out of the inpatient-only list. Both rules also contain an information request on closing the health equity gap.

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policy

The OPPS proposed rule would continue cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and off-campus provider-based departments, pause the elimination of the inpatient-only list, and increase penalties for failing to report standard charges.

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America's Essential Hospitals expresses its disappointment with the administration's decisions to stand by a bad policy on Part B drug payments and to continue damaging cuts to outpatient care.

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policy

The Aug. 11 webinar will complement other federal resources on the annual 340B Drug Pricing Program recertification period for hospitals, which is scheduled to start Aug. 16. Hospitals will have until Sept. 13 to complete the process.

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state-action

Recently, some states have started to direct providers on which carve-in or carve-out options they take so the state can claim its rebates without concern of duplicate discounts. This State Policy Snapshot examines the current landscape of state carve-in and carve-out policies.

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policy

The Supreme Court’s decision to review the case marks a significant step in the association’s efforts to overturn harmful Medicare Part B cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case in its next term, with a decision likely in 2022.

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policy

The Biden administration proposes to rescind a Trump-era final rule requiring federally qualified health centers to charge certain low-income patients no more than the 340B Drug Pricing Program price for insulin and injectable epinephrine. Comments on the proposed rule are due July 16.

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We are disappointed by the U.S. District Court opinion denying the federal government’s motion to dismiss AstraZeneca’s challenge of 340B requirements.

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policy

A bipartisan infrastructure plan is unlikely to pass the Senate by July. Democrats are likely to explore using budget reconciliation, but a recent parliamentarian ruling indicates they might be unable to attempt the process using the FY 2021 budget resolution.

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We welcome the administration’s desire to focus on social determinants of health, such as housing and education, and reduce health disparities. But we are disappointed to see the budget include policies from the previous administration that would undermine the value of the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

The Senate voted to advance the nomination of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure as Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator; a full Senate vote could take place this week. America's Essential Hospitals hosted a virtual Capitol Hill briefing in recognition of the association's 40th anniversary.

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policy

The Health Resources and Services Administration enforcement action marks a crucial victory for essential hospitals, which have seen their access to drugs with 340B discounts cut off by manufacturers since last summer.

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In letters to manufacturers, HHS makes a clear and forceful statement about the manufacturers’ illegal limits on access to 340B Drug Pricing Program discounts.

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policy

Senate Republicans release a $568 billion infrastructure framework to kickstart negotiations. House Democrats and Republicans reintroduce opposing prescription drug pricing bills. A CMS decision delays advancement of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure's nomination for CMS administrator.

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Essential Insights

Founding member, past board chair, and corporate affiliate member Tom Traylor reflects on the association’s achievements over the past 40 years.

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policy

The House voted to extend the moratorium on a 2 percent Medicare sequester cut, but the bill lacks support from Senate Republicans. The Senate confirms Xavier Becerra. A reintroduced bipartisan bill would ensure 340B hospitals can maintain program eligibility while responding to COVID-19.

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policy

In its March report to Congress, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission recommends payment updates in fee-for-service payment systems, including for hospital inpatient and outpatient services. The panel also outlines Medicare coverage of telehealth services during the pandemic and beyond.

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policy

The association will convene its virtual spring Policy Assembly March 16. Whether or not you join us, these resources are available to encourage your legislators to protect access to care.

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policy

In accordance with the presidential regulatory freeze, HHS proposes to further delay until July 20 a final rule requiring federally qualified health centers to charge certain low-income patients no more than the 340B Drug Pricing Program price for insulin and injectable epinephrine. 

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policy

Essential hospitals lead the nation in the battle against COVID-19 but new challenges—including COVID variants, vaccination distribution management, and long-term hospitalizations—show more help is needed to ensure providers on the front lines can maintain access to care.

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policy

The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill would ensure essential hospitals receive the same level of Medicaid DSH payments as they would have absent the pandemic. Xavier Becerra's nomination as secretary of health and human services is expected to reach the Senate floor as early as next week.

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policy

Congress races to pass COVID-19 relief through the budget reconciliation process before enhanced unemployment benefits expire March 14. Senate committees hold confirmation hearings for Xavier Becerra as secretary of health and human services.

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policy

America's Essential Hospitals sent a letter to President Joe Biden and his administration detailing key priorities for essential hospitals, including issues related to structural racism, COVID-19, Medicaid, the 340B Drug Pricing Program, site-neutral payment policies, immigration, and other topics.

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policy

The House is expected to vote on a compiled reconciliation bill the week of Feb. 22. The Senate for the second time has acquitted former President Donald Trump of impeachment charges. House members are circulating a bipartisan letter calling for protections to the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

The regulatory freeze could affect rules directing health clinics to pass certain drug discounts on to patients, establishing minimum standards in Medicaid state drug utilization review, and modifying Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy arrangements.

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policy

The website contains FAQs on the administrative dispute resolution (ADR) panel and board, the monetary threshold for filing an ADR claim, the types of documentation stakeholders must provide as part of the ADR process, and other information.

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policy

The rule, currently on hold due to a regulatory freeze, requires federally qualified health centers to pass 340B Drug Pricing Program discounts on to certain low-income patients as a condition of receiving federal grant funding; it applies to insulin and injectable epinephrine.

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policy

A new final rule from the Health Resources and Services Administration provides details on the long awaited administrative dispute resolution process, including the composition of a dispute resolution panel, types of claims covered entities and manufacturers can bring before the panel, and more.

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policy

The advisory opinion, favorable for essential hospitals, responds to actions by several drug manufacturers to restrict the ability of 340B Drug Pricing Program covered entities to receive program discounts on drugs dispensed at contract pharmacies.

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The General Counsel's advisory opinion makes clear that drug companies have run afoul of the law that created the 340B Drug Pricing Program and undermined its benefits to the safety net by denying discounts to contract pharmacies.

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policy

Final rules for Medicare’s Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2021 continue Medicare Part B drug payment cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and site-neutral payment policies.

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policy

The Health Resources and Services Administration finalized a rule creating a 340B Drug Pricing Program administrative dispute resolution process for covered entities and drug manufacturers; the rule marks a long-delayed implementation of an Affordable Care Act requirement.

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The groups have sued the Department of Health and Human Services over its failure to enforce program requirements and halt drug company actions that undermine the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

The Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System final rule for calendar year 2021 continues cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and off-campus provider-based departments, and updates the overall hospital star ratings methodology.

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The final rule takes critical resources away from hospitals and is especially harmful now as they strain under the heavy financial burden of COVID-19.

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policy

In an interim final rule with comment period, CMS announces a seven-year mandatory payment model set to go into effect Jan. 1. The Most Favored Nation rule builds on an International Pricing Index model; by issuing an interim final rule, the agency bypasses releasing a proposed rule.

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policy

Senators re-elect their leadership teams, led by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); the House will vote on party leadership this week. Senate Republicans introduce $1.4 trillion legislative package to fund the federal government for fiscal year 2021.

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policy

In a response to Republican leaders of House and Senate committees with jurisdiction over the 340B Drug Pricing Program, America's Essential Hospitals said the program needs no fundamental reforms and continues to provide vital support to essential hospitals.

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webinar

The association’s legislative experts shared their analysis and insights on how the outcome of the November elections could impact essential hospitals and shape health care policy.

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policy

The proposed rules would deepen Medicare Part B cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, continue site-neutral payment policies, and revise the overall hospital star rating methodology. The association urged CMS to protect funding for essential hospitals and access to care.

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policy

The House-passed $2.2 trillion COVID-19 relief package would increase Medicaid disproportionate share hospital allotments and the Provider Relief Fund. Meanwhile, Congress now has until Dec. 11 to pass its annual spending bills or agree to another short-term CR.

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policy

As the nation mourns the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, attention on Capitol Hill is focused who will fill her seat and how soon the confirmation process will begin. Meanwhile, Congress has about a week to pass a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown.

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policy

Lawmakers have less than three weeks to fund the federal government through the November election before current funding runs out. The prospect of Congress advancing COVID-19 relief legislation before the election appears unlikely.

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policy

Nearly 250 members of Congress sent a bipartisan letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar expressing concerns about recent actions by several drug manufacturers to impose policy changes that would undermine the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

The Senate reconvenes and is expected to consider a COVID-19 relief package. The Senate HELP Committee will hold a hearing on COVID-19 vaccines. A bipartisan group of House lawmakers circulates a letter to HHS expressing concern about drug manufacturer attacks on 340B contract pharmacies.

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policy

America's Essential Hospitals urges HHS to prevent drug manufacturers from restricting access to life-saving drugs in the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Manufacturers recently notified covered entities that the companies will cease shipping 340B-priced drugs to some pharmacies; other manufacturers are requiring biweekly data on all contract pharmacy claims.

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policy

Hospitals have until Sept. 14 to complete the 340B Drug Pricing Program recertification process. Covered entities that fail to create OPAIS accounts and conduct recertification will be removed from the program.

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policy

Proposed rules for Medicare’s Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2021 would deepen Medicare Part B drug payment cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, continue site-neutral payment policies, and revise the overall hospital star rating meth

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Recent actions by pharmaceutical manufacturers hinder access to affordable medications for millions of people who face financial hardships and defy clear statutory requirements that they provide drugs to 340B Drug Pricing Program covered entities.

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policy

The Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule for calendar year 2021 would deepen cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, continue cuts to off-campus provider-based departments, and update the overall hospital star ratings methodology.

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The Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule takes a bad policy on Part B drug payments and makes it worse by digging an even deeper financial hole for essential hospitals and their vulnerable patients.

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policy

The Health Resources and Services Administration Office of Pharmacy Affairs will hold an Aug. 12 webinar on the 2020 340B Drug Pricing Program recertification process. Hospitals must complete the recertification process by Sept. 14 to remain in the program.

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policy

Republicans and Democrats have yet to make progress in negotiations on the next COVID-19 bill; the association shared essential hospital priorities with congressional leadership. A new House bill would ensure hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program will not lose eligibility during the pandemic.

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policy

The executive orders aim to end retrospective rebates to Medicare Part D pharmacy benefit managers; allow patients of federally qualified health centers to purchase certain drugs at 340B discounted prices; and tie Medicare Part B payment to international drug prices, among other provisions.

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policy

The annual 340B Drug Pricing Program recertification period for hospitals will run from Aug. 17 to Sept. 14. Covered entities that fail to recertify will be removed from the program.

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The U.S. Court of Appeals decision allows the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to maintain its policy of deep cuts to payments for outpatient care, which will widen gaps in health care access in communities across the country.

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policy

As Senate leaders consider a fourth COVID-19 aid package, the president signs legislation to extend the Paycheck Protection Program. A bipartisan bill would ensure 340B hospitals maintain eligibility amid COVID-19, regardless of payer mix changes.

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policy

Hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program may begin using 340B drugs for patients seen at off-site locations before the hospitals officially register these clinics in the Office of Pharmacy Affairs Information System. This guidance is intended to last beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency.

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policy

In a letter to Senate leaders, America's Essential Hospitals outlines key legislative priorities to assist essential hospitals in the ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health emergency as Congress considers another supplemental bill.

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policy

America's Essential Hospitals expressed deep concern with the agency's ill-timed launch of the 340B Drug Pricing Program acquisition cost survey during this public health emergency.

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America’s Essential Hospitals today called on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to immediately withdraw the agency’s survey on 340B Drug Pricing Program acquisition costs, saying it imposes an unnecessary and costly burden on hospitals as they battle COVID-19.

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policy

America's Essential Hospitals calls on the Health Resources and Services Administration to allow newly eligible entities and sites to immediately register and begin purchasing 340B drugs, suspend program audits, and disregard DSH payment adjustment percentage changes during the COVID-19 emergency.

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policy

The survey will run April 24 to May 15 and requests drug acquisition costs from all hospitals participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, except critical access hospitals. CMS might use data collected through the survey to determine Medicare Part B drug reimbursement rates.

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policy

Congress should increase emergency funding for hospitals on the front lines of the COVID-19 epidemic, target hospitals in greatest need, adjust Medicaid to help essential hospitals, and provide other financial and regulatory relief.

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policy

The March 20 letter details additional action needed to support essential hospitals as they respond to the pandemic. The letter also explains how essential hospitals face significant financial challenges as they work on the front lines of public health threats.

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policy

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has created a webpage with COVID-19 resources for providers participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program. HRSA acknowledges 340B covered entities will need additional flexibility pertaining to program compliance during the COVID-19 crisis.

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policy

America's Essential Hospitals expressed concern that a proposed drug acquisition cost survey exceeds CMS authority under Medicare statute and would impose excessive burden on hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

Comments on a proposed acquisition cost survey to inform Outpatient Prospective Payment System payment rates for 340B drugs are due March 9.

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policy

The proposal calls for $920 billion in cuts to Medicaid funding, including a call to finalize the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation.

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policy

GAO found that state Medicaid programs did not always have written procedures to identify 340B drugs and prevent duplicate discounts. Even when states have written policies and procedures, GAO found they were not always adequate to prevent duplicate discounts.

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policy

America's Essential Hospitals this week is closely following congressional health care committee efforts to develop a robust legislative package to stop impending cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding and extend funding for several expiring health care programs.

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policy

The recommendations come after a GAO review of more than 250 nongovernmental hospitals found several issues with how the Health Resources and Services Administrative oversees 340B program compliance.

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policy

In an informational bulletin to state Medicaid agencies, CMS provides best practices to avoid duplicate discounts on drugs purchased through the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

America’s Essential Hospitals expressed concern that a proposed drug acquisition cost survey would impose excessive burden on hospitals and raise many operational challenges.

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policy

The final rules for Medicare’s Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2020 also expand access to opioid use disorder treatment and establish a prior authorization process for certain services.

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policy

In a separate, forthcoming final rule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will summarize and respond to the more than 1,400 public comments it received about proposed requirements for hospitals to make public their standard charges.

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policy

Essential hospitals tackle social determinants of health while operating with limited means. Congress must act to preserve the federal support essential hospitals rely on to fulfill their mission of care for all and keep communities healthy.

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policy

The association urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to reverse policies that will result in significant funding cuts to essential hospitals and hinder access to care.

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policy

The agency seeks comments until Nov. 29 on a proposal to collect acquisition cost data from hospitals participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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webinar

Learn about proposals for damaging Medicare payment cuts and price transparency requirements in 2020 and next steps for association advocacy to protect hospitals.

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policy

Covered entities that fail to complete recertification will be removed from the 340B program for a minimum of one quarter.

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policy

America's Essential Hospitals details key provisions of the proposed rules for the Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2020.

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policy

The agency now will require hospitals to submit documents supporting the hospital classification they select during 340B Drug Pricing Program registration.

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policy

The Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule for calendar year 2020 would continue cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and to off-campus provider-based departments and introduce new transparency requirements.

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The proposed rule needlessly prolongs the uncertainty, confusion, and harm the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services created when it unlawfully cut payments to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

Covered entities can access the webinar online or via phone on Aug. 14 from 1–2 pm ET.

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policy

The final judgement, in favor of America's Essential Hospitals, does not indicate how the Department of Health and Human Services should remedy unlawful payment reductions to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program in 2018 and 2019.

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policy

Hospitals must complete recertification through the Office of Pharmacy Affairs Information System by Sept. 16 to remain in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

America's Essential Hospitals and its association partners have created a detailed update on recent court activity in their lawsuit to reverse Medicare outpatient payment cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

A bipartisan group of 300 House lawmakers sent a letter to leadership calling for a two-year delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts. The House will vote on a legislative package to expedite the availability of generic drugs and protect parts of the Affordable Care Act.

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policy

A federal judge found the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicare outpatient payment cuts in 2019 to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program were unlawful, extending a similar decision regarding 2018 cuts. The case was sent back to the agency to determine the appropriate remedy.

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America’s 340B hospitals are pleased with the District Court’s decision and urge the Department of Health and Human Services to follow the judge’s directive to promptly resolve the harm caused by its unlawful cuts to Medicare reimbursement.

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policy

America’s Essential Hospitals and industry partners have officially closed the book on their successful lawsuit to force the Department of Health and Human Services to implement long-delayed rules on pharmaceutical manufacturer accountability in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

The agency on April 1 launched a long-awaited website that outlines pharmaceutical manufacturers' ceiling prices under the 340B Drug Pricing Program. A recent webinar outlines how covered entities can view this data and report 340B pricing issues.

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policy

The recent webinar reviewed publication of 340B Drug Pricing Program ceiling prices and the process by which covered entities can report 340B pricing issues.

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policy

The budget plan proposes to overhaul the Medicaid program, as well as significantly change the 340B Drug Pricing Program and expand site-neutral payment policies in hospital outpatient departments.

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policy

As initially planned, any pharmacy participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program could have been denied rebates provided through the pharmacy benefit manager, resulting in significant cuts to 340B hospitals.

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policy

America’s Essential Hospitals and other plaintiffs have asked the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to order the federal government to restore losses caused by Medicare outpatient payment cuts to 340B hospitals.

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policy

The association urged the agency to consider the interplay of new policies with existing government programs, such as the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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The U.S. District Court's ruling will help ensure the 340B Drug Pricing Program can continue supporting access to affordable health care in our most vulnerable communities.

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policy

The final rule and advanced effective date represent a significant victory for essential hospitals.

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We welcome today’s decision by the Department of Health and Human Services to respond to our lawsuit by issuing a final rule for enforcing 340B Drug Pricing Program ceiling price transparency and civil monetary penalties starting Jan. 1, 2019.

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policy

America’s Essential Hospitals urged the agency to promptly finalize its proposal to move up to Jan. 1, 2019, the effective and implementation date for a final rule on the calculation of ceiling prices for drugs purchased through the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

The Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Physician Fee Schedule final rules for calendar year 2019 expand damaging site-neutral payment policies and continue Medicare Part B drug payment cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

Next steps for both parties include choosing leadership for the next Congress and, for Republicans, accomplishing remaining legislative priorities while they still control all levers of the federal government.

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policy

The long-delayed final rule on the calculation of ceiling prices in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, as well as civil monetary penalties on manufactures who knowingly overcharge, will go into effect Jan. 1, 2019.

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state-action

Colorado's new policy requires certain providers to report the acquisition cost of drugs purchased through the 340B Drug Pricing Program; Mississippi mandates that certain providers identify 340B-purchased drugs on medical and retail pharmacy claims.

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policy

The Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System final rule for calendar year 2019 broadens the scope of cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and to off-campus provider-based departments; in a statement, the association strongly objected to these additional payment cuts.

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We are pleased that the Department of Health and Human Services has responded to our lawsuit with other national organizations by proposing a Jan. 1, 2019, effective and compliance date for 340B Drug Pricing Program enforcement.

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policy

The five-year demonstration, beginning in 2020, would be open to hospitals and physicians in selected geographic areas representing 50 percent of Medicare Part B spending on separately payable drugs.

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webinar

Join us for a preview of the 2018 midterm elections, and learn how you can educate congressional candidates about the issues that matter most to your hospital.

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Essential Insights

Government Relations Academy alumnae Elisa Hernández and Amy Carta share their experiences in the program and the value of applying new advocacy tools.

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policy

America’s Essential Hospitals urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to reverse policies that will result in significant funding cuts to essential hospitals and hinder access to care.

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The American Hospital Association’s good stewardship principles for the 340B Drug Pricing Program demonstrate and affirm the hospital community’s commitment to accountability and transparency for this vital program.

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Essential Insights

Several presentations at VITAL2018 focused on a foundational issue for essential hospitals—finance and payment policy—and provided member insights on topics such as Section 1115 Medicaid waivers, state policy trends in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, and digitizing the revenue cycle.

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America’s Essential Hospitals, the American Hospital Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and 340B Health filed their lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

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America’s Essential Hospitals, the American Hospital Association, and the Association of American Medical Colleges, along with three hospital plaintiffs, refiled our lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to reverse Medicare cuts to 340B hospitals.

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policy

Covered entities that fail to complete recertification by the deadline will be removed from the 340B Drug Pricing Program for a minimum of one quarter.

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policy

Leaders of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions expressed concern that the Health Resources and Services Administration is not using its existing authority to ensure proper management of the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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webinar

Learn about the recently proposed Medicare rules that will broaden the scope of cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and to off-campus hospital outpatient departments.

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policy

Congress is expected to consider legislation to combat the opioid epidemic, fund the Department of Health and Human Services, and enable federal response to pandemic threats.

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policy

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Physician Fee Schedule proposed rules for calendar year 2019 that would expand site-neutral payment policies and continue Medicare Part B drug payment cuts to 304B hospitals.

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policy

A new proposed rule for Medicare’s Outpatient Prospective Payment System would broaden the scope of cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program and to off-campus provider-based departments; it also contains provisions related to quality reporting and transparency.

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policy

America’s Essential Hospitals and the other plaintiffs are coordinating next steps and plan to promptly refile the case in district court.

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The American Hospital Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and America’s Essential Hospitals expressed disappointment that the courts once again failed to rule on merits of the 340B case and vowed to continue the fight to reverse these unwarranted cuts.

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policy

Hospitals will have until Sept. 12 to complete the recertification process through the Office of Pharmacy Affairs Information System.

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policy

A Government Accountability Office witness and several 340B Drug Pricing Program stakeholders testified last week at a House committee hearing; another House committee marked up several consumer-driven health care bills.

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policy

The July 11 hearing will focus on contract pharmacies and a slate of 15 bills and discussion drafts related to the program; two essential hospital leaders will testify.

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policy

A new bill by Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY) would impose a user fee for hospitals participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program; a House subcommittee marked up hospital preparedness and graduate medical education bills.

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policy

Modeled on a program developed at essential hospital St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, in Paterson, N.J., the Alternatives to Opioids bill is one of 25 opioid-related bills the House passed last week.

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The bill would bring relief to essential hospitals and their patients from damaging Medicare outpatient payment cuts and much-needed accountability for manufacturers in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

The House aims to complete voting by the July Fourth recess, but Senate work on opioid legislation likely will continue into August amid a shortened recess.

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policy

This is the latest of several delays of a rule that provides guidance on the calculation of ceiling prices and imposes civil monetary penalties on manufacturers who knowingly exceed them.

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The delay enables manufacturer overcharges that jeopardize access to affordable drugs for vulnerable patients and drive up costs for hospitals.

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policy

Senate Democrats sharply questioned the repeated delays of a final rule on drug ceiling prices and manufacturer civil monetary penalties; The House continues to focus on passing an opioid package.

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policy

The association urged the Health Resources and Services Administration to immediately implement a final rule establishing the calculation of ceiling prices and imposing manufacturer civil monetary penalties.

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policy

House leadership remains focused on passing a bipartisan opioid-related legislative package by Memorial Day, but recently indicated a June vote might be more likely.

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policy

The plan cites and builds on proposed changes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program in the president’s fiscal year 2019 budget, as well as damaging cuts implemented through the calendar year 2018 Outpatient Prospective Payment System final rule.

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policy

The proposal would delay by an additional year implementation of a final rule on ceiling prices and manufacturer civil monetary penalties in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

Four House hearings this week examine the opioid crisis, as lawmakers work to craft bipartisan legislation; A Senate hearing focuses on oversight reports on the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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The decision to delay rules to safeguard patients and hospitals from drug company overcharges is unacceptable and undermines the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

On May 4, America’s Essential Hospitals and fellow plaintiffs will make oral arguments in a legal battle to reverse damaging Medicare cuts to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program; The public can watch via livestream.

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policy

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services offers details on how Medicare Advantage plans might be affected by reimbursement reductions in the calendar year 2018 Outpatient Prospective Payment System final rule.

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policy

House Republicans this week hope to bring to the floor a bill to fund the government through the remainder of the fiscal year; America's Essential Hospitals CEO asked to testify during Senate committee hearing on 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

The budget plan for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 proposes changes to the distribution of 340B Drug Pricing Program savings and increased funding to fight the opioid crisis.

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The nation’s safety net cannot sustain the dramatic cuts in this proposal to Medicare, Medicaid, and other social programs on which low-income working Americans and their families depend.

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This badly misleading report makes no attempt to focus on or isolate the 340B drug payment policy. Rather, it masks the policy's damaging impact by conflating it with other unrelated policy changes.

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webinar

America’s Essential Hospitals continues to fight to protect the 340B Drug Pricing Program, a crucial source of support for essential hospitals. Participants heard an overview of our recent advocacy activities and an update on our next steps.

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policy

Congress returns from recess to focus on long-term solutions after passing a short-term bill to fund the government through Jan. 19; lawmakers push for delay of 340B Drug Pricing Program cuts.

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District court judge finds that the lawsuit was premature, but he does not rule on the merits of the claim by America's Essential Hospitals, the American Hospital Association, and the Association of American Medical Colleges.

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policy

The new document details the use of two Medicare outpatient, claims-based modifiers hospitals will be required to report, starting Jan. 1, for drugs purchased through the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

Republican leaders hope to introduce the final tax reform bill early next week; a bill to stop cuts to the 340B Drug Pricing Program has 130 cosponsors.

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policy

Tax reform legislation heads to a House-Senate conference committee. Meanwhile, a bill to delay Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts could be included in year-end legislation.

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policy

The legislative priorities include a health care extenders package, tax reform, and a long-term funding bill. Also, bipartisan House legislation to halt 340B payment cuts now has more than 50 cosponsors.

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policy

Hospitals that contract with or are owned by state or local government must now identify a government official to attest to the hospital's classification.

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America's Essential Hospitals thanks Reps. David McKinley (R-WV) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) for legislation that would place a permanent moratorium on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services policy to cut $1.6 billion in Medicare Part B drug reimbursement from 340B hospitals.

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The lawsuit argues that the 340B provisions of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ outpatient prospective payment system rule violate the Social Security Act and should be set aside under the Administrative Procedure Act as unlawful and in excess of the HHS Secretary’s statutory authority.

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policy

America’s Essential Hospitals is closely reviewing the final rules and pursuing strategies to protect our members from these devastating cuts. Key aspects of the recently released final rules are summarized in this Action Update.

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webinar

Dive into the policy details of the CMS rule that cuts 340B program savings, and hear how America’s Essential Hospitals plans to respond.

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policy

Due to technical difficulties, the new 340B recertification period will run through Dec. 6; hospitals that already started the process must restart.

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policy

The rule cuts 340B Drug Pricing Program payments by $1.6 billion and requires hospitals to use modifiers to identify 340B drugs in Medicare claims.

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The final rule's cuts to Medicare Part B drug payments to 340B hospitals jeopardizes health care access for millions of low-income individuals and families nationwide and weakens the ability of essential hospitals to provide vital services to communities.

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policy

Hospitals will have until Nov. 21 to complete the recertification process through the new Office of Pharmacy Affairs Information System.

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policy

The harmful payment reduction was included in the 2018 Outpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule, expected to be finalized this fall.

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policy

The most recent delay to July 2018 comes after the Health Resources and Services Administration issued a proposed rule seeking feedback from stakeholders.

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policy

Providers can register a new entity or contract pharmacy through the 340B Office of Pharmacy Affairs Information System through Oct. 16.

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policy

The component enables manufacturers and covered entities to register for the 340B Drug Pricing Program, participate in annual recertification, and communicate with the Office of Pharmacy Affairs on pending tasks.

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policy

The meeting came a day after the association submitted comments to the agency in response to the proposed annual update of the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System.

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policy

Congress aims to pass legislation by Sept. 30 to stabilize the Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance markets and reauthorize several health care programs; three senators plan to unveil new ACA repeal legislation.

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policy

The Sept. 13 webinar for covered entities will focus on the registration component of the new Office of Pharmacy Affairs Information System.

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policy

The Health Resources and Services Administration is seeking comments on whether to further delay implementation of a final rule on ceiling prices and civil monetary penalties in the 340B Drug Pricing Program by nine months.

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policy

The system will be unavailable from Aug. 15 until mid-September; hospitals are urged to verify contact information for authorizing officials and primary contacts in the system before Aug. 14.

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policy

The delay allows for implementation of a new online tool that will allow providers to register and recertify 340B sites and contract pharmacies.

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webinar

The latest from experts on the CMS proposed policy rules that cut 340B savings and support for outpatient services in underserved areas.

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policy

The proposed rule would increase outpatient payment rates by 1.75 percent and drastically reduce Medicare Part B reimbursement for drugs purchased through the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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webinar

Attendees gained a comprehensive view of legislative and regulatory action in Washington, D.C, a preview of action in the fall, and our recommendations for messaging and strategy during Congress’ August recess.

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policy

A group of Republican and Democratic governors sent a letter to Senate leadership encouraging a bipartisan approach to repealing the Affordable Care Act.

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policy

The committee’s intentions remain unclear; we recommend essential hospitals prepare to publicly describe what auditors found and corrective actions taken.

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policy

The final rule on drug ceiling prices and manufacturer civil monetary penalties under the 340B Drug Pricing Program now will go into effect on Oct. 1.

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webinar

The policy team at America's Essential Hospitals discussed the regulatory outlook for the next year, including key policy issues on the horizon.

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policy

HRSA has delayed until March 21 the effective date of a final rule on drug ceiling prices and manufacturer civil monetary penalties in the 340B program.

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policy

The Feb. 7 letter offers recommendations on proposed executive orders, regulations, and legislation that could affect essential hospitals, patients.

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The decision preserves the 340B program’s valuable benefits to low-income and other disadvantaged people, and the hospitals on which they depend.

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policy

A memo instructs all executive departments and agencies to temporarily halt pending regulations until incoming department or agency heads can review them.

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policy

The regulation makes "penny pricing" final and sets fines of up to $5,000 per instance of a manufacturer overcharging providers for covered medications in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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webinar

In this webinar we looked back at the 2016 advocacy landscape, discussed the progress we have made on key issues affecting essential hospitals, reviewed our interaction with the Trump transition team, and looked forward to 2017. Webinar Recording

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policy

Under the rule, CMS would increase the OPPS payment rate by 1.65 percent and provide flexibility in the meaningful use of EHRs, among other things.

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webinar

Join us to discuss the policies, outlined by CMS, for the implementation of the site neutral law.

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policy

CMS provides more flexibility than previously proposed, ensuring non-grandfathered, off-campus hospital outpatient departments will be reimbursed in 2017.

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policy

Hospitals eligible for the essential community providers list are participants in the 340B and DSH programs, critical access hospitals, and others.

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policy

Hospitals must complete recertification of their compliance with all requirements of the 340B program. Failure to do so results in removal from the program.

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policy

HRSA is proposing that a decision-making body within the Department of Health and Human Services be responsible for reviewing claims and resolving deputes.

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webinar

CMS recently proposed policies for implementing the site neutral law – join us July 26 to discuss the impacts this will have on your hospital.

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policy

This week, the Senate votes on the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. Last week, the House passed a mental health bill in a bipartisan vote.

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policy

The proposed rule would implement Section 603 of the Bipartisan Budget Act, which reduced payments for new, off-campus hospital outpatient departments.

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policy

The event, from 1 - 2 pm ET, will include important information on the annual recertification process and best practices.

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policy

Senate appropriators pass HHS spending bill that includes 340B Drug Pricing Program user fee and instructions to HRSA to consider stakeholder input in final mega-guidance.

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policy

The decision follows the pharmaceutical company's recent recalculation of 340B ceiling prices for 25 products for the third quarter of 2012 through the second quarter of 2013.

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policy

In new Modern Healthcare commentary, America's Essential Hospitals president and CEO says proposed guidance conflicts with HHS goals for readmissions, access, and care coordination.

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policy

A 2015 budget law that creates site-neutral payment for off-campus hospital outpatient departments does not directly affect 340B Drug Pricing Program eligibility, but changes to how hospitals report Medicare costs does raise concerns.

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policy

Final rule and implementation as described in the guidance could significantly reduce Medicaid payments for 340B-covered outpatient drugs in some states.

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policy

Webcasts, co-hosted by HRSA OPA and pharmacist association, will focus on helping covered entities identify steps needed to develop and maintain comprehensive 340B policies and procedures in an auditable manner.

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policy

Covered entities are no longer required to post a public letter to the HRSA website if 340B audit findings result in potential repayment. Instead, HRSA will publish notices with covered entity contact information.

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Association expresses deep disappointment with Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) recommendation to cut Medicare Part B reimbursement to hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

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policy

Agency seeks comment on its proposal to collect information on the burden associated with guidelines for manufacturer audits of covered entities; comments are due to HRSA by Feb. 22.

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quality

Association generally supports move toward patient-centered care, but urges CMS to ensure provisions do not place an administrative burden on hospitals.

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webinar

Join us to review our 2015 federal legislative and regulatory action and preview our 2016 advocacy agenda.

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policy

Member leaders attend more than 100 meetings with lawmakers and congressional staff as part of fall Policy Assembly. Event also included insights from policymakers and a Capitol Hill reception honoring 2015 Gage Award recipients.

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policy

In comments to HRSA, the association says the proposal would harm care for the vulnerable by restricting the definition of a patient, adding requirements for hospital outpatient facility eligibility, and narrowing which drugs qualify for discounts.

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policy

U.S. District Court says 2014 HRSA interpretive rule is contrary to plain language of ACA provision that excludes certain hospitals from 340B discounts on orphan drugs.

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policy

Webinars help identify roles, responsibilities, and other elements of 340B risk management. OPA and APhA also accepting leading practice site applications.

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policy

Zydus Pharmaceuticals Inc., charged incorrect rates on 340B drugs between January 2012 and December 2014. Refunds will be distributed via Apexus.

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