This legislation effectively postpones the debt ceiling issue for two years, dispelling concerns of a potential financial catastrophe. This Action Update summarizes the legislation and provisions of interest to essential hospitals.
view more »HHS Releases First Annual Language Access Report
May 30, 2023 ||The report summarizes HHS' progress, barriers, and future plans to improve access to services for individuals with limited English proficiency.
view more »Learn about new federal opportunities to finance climate resilience and mitigation projects from leaders at the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity.
view more »OCCHE Releases Climate Hazard Resource
May 23, 2023 ||A new guide provides educational and referral strategies for health care providers to mitigate health issues related to climate change.
view more »COVID-19: PHE End, Project NextGen, Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
May 16, 2023 ||An HHS fact sheet details policy changes with the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency; ASPR announces Project NextGen; CDC says the Johnson & Johnson vaccine no longer is available in the United States.
view more »Temporary Rule Extends Telemedicine Flexibility
May 10, 2023 ||Health care providers will be able to prescribe controlled medication without requiring an initial in-person visit through Nov. 11.
view more »After receiving record comments on proposals to limit the prescription of controlled substances via telemedicine, the DEA will extend this COVID-era flexibility.
view more »HHS Secretary Stresses EMTALA Requirements
May 1, 2023 ||In a letter to hospital and provider associations, Secretary Becerra emphasized health care providers' legal duties to provide emergency care.
view more »OCCHE Shares Climate Action Webinar Series, Resources
May 1, 2023 ||A new webinar series will share government resources for health care stakeholders to reduce emissions and build resilience.
view more »CMS Finalizes 2024 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters
April 28, 2023 ||The rule updates essential community provider requirements for qualified health plans and adds a special enrollment period for those losing Medicaid or CHIP coverage.
view more »HHS Proposes Rule to Expand Health Coverage for DACA Recipients
April 25, 2023 ||The rule would allow DACA recipients to be eligible for health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program.
view more »Guide Details IRA Support for Climate Resilience, Emissions Reduction
April 25, 2023 ||The new tool from the federal Office of Climate Change and Health Equity explains opportunities in the Inflation Reduction Act for tax credits and other support for climate mitigation work.
view more »COVID-19: Bivalent Vaccine Recommendation, HHS Uninsured Program
April 25, 2023 ||CDC simplifies vaccine recommendations for all age groups; a new HHS program supports COVID-19 vaccines and treatments for uninsured Americans.
view more »COVID-19: FDA Expands Bivalent Vaccine EUA, HHS Amends PREP Act
April 18, 2023 ||Individuals ages 65 and older are eligible for a second bivalent dose; HHS will end vaccine administration flexibility granted during the public health emergency.
view more »COVID-19: National Emergency Ends, Gohibic EUA
April 11, 2023 ||President Biden signs a bill ending the COVID-19 national emergency; FDA grants emergency use authorization to a vilobelimab treatment.
view more »CMS Updates on End of COVID-19 National Emergency
April 4, 2023 ||The upcoming end of the COVID-19 national emergency will not affect policies enacted during the public health emergency issued under a separate declaration.
view more »SAMHSA Report on Evidence-Based Care for LGBTQI+ Youth
April 4, 2023 ||The report includes recommendations for therapeutic practices for youth of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity.
view more »COVID-19: FDA Device Guidance, Viral Mutation Updates
March 28, 2023 ||FDA releases guidance on transitioning to normal operations for medical device authorization after the public health emergency ends and continues to monitor the effect of viral mutation on test performance.
view more »On the Hill: HHS Budget Testimony; Groups Defend 340B
March 24, 2023 ||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.
view more »COVID-19: Youth Bivalent Booster, Paxlovid Vote
March 21, 2023 ||FDA announces that children aged 6 months through 4 years old who completed primary monovalent COVID-19 vaccination are now eligible to receive a bivalent booster dose, while agency advisers vote in favor of full Paxlovid approval.
view more »No Surprises Act Payments Resume
March 21, 2023 ||The decision comes after HHS halted payment determinations following a February court ruling vacating certain provisions of the No Surprises Act.
view more »ASPR Releases Health Care Cybersecurity Framework Guide
March 21, 2023 ||The guide tailors the 2018 National Institute of Standards and Technology Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity to the health sector.
view more »HHS Reopens Health Sector Climate Pledge
March 10, 2023 ||The voluntary pledge asks institutions to commit to reducing emissions, taking inventory of scope 3 emissions, and developing climate resilience plans.
view more »The U.S. House and Senate Committees on Appropriations are accepting appropriations requests for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 appropriations process.
view more »President Biden Signs Executive Order to Advance Racial Equity
Feb. 23, 2023 ||The order instructs agencies to produce an annual public equity action plan, build agency equity teams, and improve community engagement.
view more »Association Asks HHS for Swift Part B Cut Repayment
Feb. 22, 2023 ||The association asked that CMS swiftly make 340B hospitals whole for reduced Medicare Part B reimbursement from 2018 to fall 2022, plus applicable interest.
view more »No Surprises Act Payment Determinations Halted
Feb. 17, 2023 ||HHS instructed federal independent dispute resolution entities not to issue new payment determinations in out-of-network billing payment disputes.
view more »HHS Releases PHE Transition Roadmap
Feb. 14, 2023 ||The roadmap outlines which policies implemented under the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) will be affected when the PHE ends May 11.
view more »First Federal Evidence Agenda on LGBTQI+ Equity
Feb. 14, 2023 ||Following the agenda's release, HHS on Feb. 10 requested information on promising practices for advancing health equity for intersex individuals.
view more »Statement on Appeals Court 340B Contract Pharmacy Ruling
Jan. 30, 2023 ||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.
view more »Association Comments on Proposed Part 2 Regulations
Jan. 24, 2023 ||The association supports HHS' work to align the rule more closely with HIPAA regulations, which will improve care coordination and mitigate discrimination.
view more »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.
view more »HHS Renews COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Jan. 12, 2023 ||Effective Jan. 11, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency determination.
view more »Statement on District Court Ruling on Repayments to 340B Hospitals
Jan. 10, 2023 ||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.
view more »The $1.66 trillion package would extend funding for government operations through Sept. 30, 2023, including $120.7 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services, $9.9 billion more than the FY 2022 enacted level, and numerous provisions important to essential hospitals.
view more »CMS Proposes 2024 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters
Dec. 21, 2022 ||The proposed rule updates essential community provider requirements for qualified health plans and adds a special enrollment period for those disenrolled from Medicaid or CHIP.
view more »COVID-19: CDC Expands Bivalent Vaccine Recommendation for Children
Dec. 13, 2022 ||CDC expands its recommendation for bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months to 5 years old as health agencies confront low vaccination rates among children.
view more »HHS Proposes Revisions to Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records
Dec. 13, 2022 ||Changes in the proposed rule seek to improve care coordination among providers and increase protections for substance use disorder patients to mitigate discrimination during treatment.
view more »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.
view more »The agency will not enforce a surprise billing requirement that requires good faith estimates to include cost estimates from co-providers and co-facilities.
view more »SAMHSA Proposes Revisions to 42 CFR Part 2
Dec. 5, 2022 ||The proposed rule aims to align Part 2 more closely with HIPAA, improve care coordination, and increase anti-discrimination protections for patients with substance use disorder.
view more »COVID-19: Federal Vaccination Campaign, NIH Self-Reporting Website
Nov. 29, 2022 ||New COVID-19 vaccine initiatives seek to address access inequalities, and NIH launches a website where Americans can self-report COVID-19 test results anonymously to provide data to public health departments.
view more »HHS to Create Action Alliance to Advance Patient Safety
Nov. 18, 2022 ||At a Nov. 14 listening session, HHS leaders announced plans to launch in 2023 a learning community focused on patient and health care worker safety.
view more »COVID-19: Administration Launches Updated Vaccine Outreach
Nov. 1, 2022 ||President Joe Biden urges Americans to get their updated COVID-19 vaccine, which protects against the original SARS-CoV-2 variant and BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.
view more »HHS Renews COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Oct. 14, 2022 ||Effective Oct. 13, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency determination.
view more »HHS links COVID-19 vaccinations to fewer COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, and NIH details its plan to study long COVID-19 effects.
view more »FDA now urges COVID-19 test developers to take traditional premarket review pathways, and HHS will cover the cost of 60,000 bebtelovimab doses.
view more »HHS Releases Behavioral Health Integration Roadmap
Sept. 23, 2022 ||The roadmap implements the three pillars of the President's March 2022 Strategy to Address our National Mental Health Crisis.
view more »HHS Issues RFI on No Surprises Act Requirements
Sept. 20, 2022 ||HHS seeks input on the No Surprises Act's advanced explanation of benefits and good faith estimate requirements for insured individuals; comments are due Nov. 15.
view more »COVID-19: Biden Administration Announces Fall Strategy
Sept. 13, 2022 ||The Biden administration's fall plan to manage the COVID-19 pandemic includes securing millions of updated vaccines and additional at-home, rapid tests; ensuring vaccine access for higher-risk Americans; and fostering community conversations about updated vaccines.
view more »Pfizer applies for emergency use authorization for its omicron-specific booster vaccine, the National Healthcare Safety Network will take over hospital data reporting, and CMS tells hospitals to brace for the public health emergency's end.
view more »Administration Publishes No Surprises Act Final Rule
Aug. 23, 2022 ||The rule finalizes disclosure requirements for the qualifying payment amount and select provisions for the related independent dispute resolution process.
view more »On the Hill: Inflation Reduction Act Provisions of Note
Aug. 22, 2022 ||Lawmakers return to their states and districts for August recess following last week's passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The bill includes provisions of note for essential hospitals, including those to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies and fight climate change.
view more »COVID-19: CDC Updates Safety Guidance, Bebtelovimab Goes Commercial
Aug. 16, 2022 ||CDC updated its COVID-19 safety guidelines, FDA warned of false negative test risks, and bebtelovimab will transition to the commercial marketplace.
view more »COVID-19: Long COVID-19 Action Plan, ASPR Paxlovid Resource
Aug. 9, 2022 ||HHS releases two new reports on long COVID-19 research and support, while the Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response shares guidance on Paxlovid efficacy and eligibility.
view more »HHS Reinstates, Adds ACA Nondiscrimination Protections
Aug. 9, 2022 ||The proposed rule expands the definition of discrimination "on the basis of sex" and explicitly includes telehealth services in nondiscrimination policies.
view more »HHS Declares Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency
Aug. 8, 2022 ||The declaration enables HHS to modify Medicare and Medicaid program requirements and could lead to more emergency funding for virus prevention and vaccines.
view more »COVID-19: HHS Secures Moderna Bivalent Vaccine Doses, CDC Releases Booster Safety Update
Aug. 1, 2022 ||HHS agreed to purchase 66 million Moderna bivalent COVID-19 vaccine doses, while the CDC reported fewer vaccine reactions for those older than 50 who receive a second mRNA booster shot.
view more »As the World Health Organization declares monkeypox a global health emergency, CDC updates clinical guidance, and HHS plans to allocate additional vaccine doses.
view more »CDC recommends the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for adults and reports that additional mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster doses increase protection against moderate and severe COVID-19.
view more »FDA approves the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for those 18 and older as the Biden-Harris administration releases an action plan to take on the BA.5 subvariant.
view more »On the Hill: Build Back Better Negotiations Halt Again
July 19, 2022 ||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.
view more »HHS Renews COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
July 18, 2022 ||Effective July 15, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency determination.
view more »HHS to Host Climate Change Webinar Series
July 5, 2022 ||The HHS Office of Climate Change and Health Equity announced a climate change webinar series, beginning July 14, and shared a companion resource compendium.
view more »FDA advises vaccine manufacturers to incorporate an omicron variant component into booster doses; Pfizer requests FDA approval of antiviral pill Paxlovid.
view more »CMS Approves Colorado Option
June 28, 2022 ||CMS approved Colorado's Section 1332 waiver application to create a state-based standard health benefit plan.
view more »The committee released a discussion draft of policies to improve youth mental health, the second of an expected five discussion drafts from the committee in advance of their full mental health legislative proposal.
view more »President Biden Signs Executive Order on LGBTQI+ Equality
June 20, 2022 ||The order instructs the HHS Secretary to use the agency's authorities to protect LGBTQI+ individuals' access to medically necessary care.
view more »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.
view more »On the Hill: Health Equity Bill Introduced in House
May 23, 2022 ||Congress last week passed aid for the Ukraine war effort but remains stalled on a $10 billion COVID-19 funding bill. A group of three House caucuses of Black, Hispanic, and Asian Pacific American lawmakers have introduced health equity legislation.
view more »New 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Live in July
May 23, 2022 ||The current National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, 1.800.273.8255, will transition to 988 on all devices on July 16.
view more »Association Comments on HHS Climate Strategy Plan Outline
May 22, 2022 ||The association urged HHS to provide funding, educate stakeholders, and build capacity to execute the 2022 Environmental Justice Strategy and Implementation Plan.
view more »COVID-19: Post-PHE Planning; Pediatric Booster Authorized
May 17, 2022 ||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.
view more »New Climate Resilience and Emissions Reduction Resources
May 16, 2022 ||New HHS initiatives focus on climate change, health equity, and the role health care stakeholders can play in promoting climate resilience.
view more »2023 Marketplace Benefit and Payment Parameters Finalized
May 3, 2022 ||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.
view more »HHS Launches Pledge to Reduce Health Care Emissions
April 25, 2022 ||Hospitals and other industry stakeholders are invited to pledge by June 3 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase their climate resilience.
view more »CMS Opens Federal IDR Portal
April 19, 2022 ||The independent dispute resolution process can be initiated to resolve payment disputes between health care providers and issuers.
view more »HHS Renews COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
April 19, 2022 ||Effective April 16, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the public health emergency determination related to the continued effects of COVID-19; the determination has been in place since Jan. 27, 2020, and has been renewed every three months.
view more »Learn about the new Office of Climate Change and Health Equity and its partnerships with the health sector on climate resilience and emission reduction efforts.
view more »On the Hill: Biden’s FY 2023 Budget Takes Center Stage
March 29, 2022 ||Congressional panels will review President Joe Biden's fiscal year 2023 budget request. Sens. Robert Casey Jr. (D-Pa.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) have asked the Government Accountability Office to investigate low vaccination rates among Medicaid beneficiaries.
view more »COVID-19: Second Booster Authorized for Older, Immunocompromised People
March 29, 2022 ||FDA authorizes a second vaccine booster for older and immunocompromised individuals; OSHA reopens the comment period for its emergency temporary standard.
view more »COVID-19: Public Transit Mask Mandate, Test-to-Treat FAQs
March 15, 2022 ||The Transportation Security Administration extends to April 18 its public transit mask mandate; HHS shares a fact sheet on the COVID-19 Test-to-Treat initiative.
view more »Federal Judge Strikes Down Key Portion of Surprise Billing Rule
March 8, 2022 ||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.
view more »COVID-19: National Preparedness Plan, FEMA Aid, OSHA Inspections
March 8, 2022 ||President Joe Biden unveils a new COVID-19 National Preparedness Plan; FEMA extends its 100 percent federal cost share for COVID-19 efforts.
view more »COVID-19: Community Levels Framework; Accessibility Plan
March 1, 2022 ||CDC announces a new community-level framework that assesses COVID-19 risk; the Biden administration unveils a new COVID-19 mitigation plan for people with disabilities.
view more »14.5M Americans Enroll in Marketplace Coverage
Jan. 31, 2022 ||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.
view more »HHS to Distribute $2B More in Provider Relief Payments
Jan. 28, 2022 ||The funds will reach more than 7,600 providers across the country this week; $6 billion in pledged phase 4 funds remain undistributed.
view more »On the Hill: Lawmakers Push for Nurse Staffing, 340B Protections
Jan. 25, 2022 ||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.
view more »HHS Awards $103M to Reduce Provider Burnout, Support Mental Health
Jan. 24, 2022 ||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.
view more »Association Comments on Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters
Jan. 24, 2022 ||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.
view more »COVID-19: Vaccine Mandate Ruling; Testing and Therapeutics Access
Jan. 18, 2022 ||The U.S. Supreme Court upheld CMS' vaccine mandate but struck down the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's mandate; President Joe Biden announced new initiatives to expand testing access.
view more »On the Hill: FDA Commissioner Nominee Advances
Jan. 18, 2022 ||The nomination of Robert Califf, MD, as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration advances to the Senate floor. The Republican-led Healthy Futures Task Force issues several requests for information on telehealth policies and health care affordability.
view more »HHS Extends COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Jan. 18, 2022 ||Effective Jan. 14, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the public health emergency determination related to the continued effects of COVID-19; the determination has been in place since Jan. 27, 2020, and has been renewed every three months.
view more »CDC shortens the time between primary vaccine series and booster shot and recommends a Pfizer booster for adolescents; the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on two vaccine mandates; HHS requires coverage of at-home COVID-19 tests, effective Jan. 15.
view more »The new document explains various provisions under part II surprise billing regulations, including that all financial assistance should be reflected in the good faith estimate regardless of the amount or type of discount. The new regulations take effect Jan. 1, 2022.
view more »On the Hill: Congress Averts Medicare Sequester, PAYGO Cuts
Dec. 14, 2021 ||The legislation delays looming Medicare payment cuts and creates an expedited pathway for debt limit relief; Senate Democrats this week are expected to release legislative text for a $2 trillion debt limit increase — sufficient to last through the 2022 midterm election.
view more »Association Comments on Second Part of Surprise Billing Rules
Dec. 7, 2021 ||America’s Essential Hospitals commented on the second interim final rule implementing the No Surprises Act. The association urged HHS to revise good faith estimate requirements and create an IDR process that does not favor payers over providers.
view more »A new Department of Health and Human Services report finds the share of Medicare visits conducted via telehealth increased from about 840,000 in 2019 to 52.7 million in 2020. In particular, telehealth was helpful in offsetting potential foregone behavioral health care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
view more »HHS Announces Funding to Support Health Care Workforce
Nov. 29, 2021 ||The Department of Health and Human Services announced a $1.5 billion investment to help grow and diversify the nation's health care workforce through loan repayment and scholarship programs.
view more »New Overdose Prevention Strategy Announced
Nov. 1, 2021 ||The new strategy from the Department of Health and Human Services expands the scope of crisis response beyond opioids to include other substances often involved in overdoses. It focuses on four priority areas: primary prevention, harm reduction, evidence-based treatment, and recovery support.
view more »HHS Releases Health Workforce Strategic Plan
Nov. 1, 2021 ||The plan — required by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act — focuses on increasing the health workforce in rural and underserved areas and better preparing for the health care needs of the future. HHS will issue a report to Congress on implementation.
view more »COVID-19: FDA, CDC Recommend Boosters; Plan to Vaccinate Children
Oct. 26, 2021 ||FDA and CDC recommend Moderna and Janssen booster vaccines, along with heterologous booster doses; the Biden administration releases a plan to vaccinate children.
view more »Released on Oct. 7, part II of the No Surprises Act interim final rule outlines the independent dispute resolution process for out-of-network services and protections for uninsured and self-pay patients.
view more »$100M Announced for State Loan Repayment Program
Oct. 18, 2021 ||Money from the American Rescue Plan will fund up to 50 awards through the Health Resources and Services Administration's State Loan Repayment Program for state-run programs that support, recruit, and retain primary care clinicians who work in underserved communities.
view more »HHS Spanish Language App Helps Navigate Health Care
Oct. 12, 2021 ||HHS released a Spanish version of QuestionBuilder, an app that helps patients and caregivers prepare for their in-person or telehealth appointments, along with a report on Latino patients' access to care.
view more »COVID-19: Vaccine Effectiveness, Authorization Updates
Oct. 12, 2021 ||An HHS report shows the COVID-19 vaccine prevented hospitalization and death in Medicare beneficiaries; Pfizer applies for emergency use authorization for its vaccine in children age 5 to 11.
view more »COVID-19: HIPAA Guidance; Vaccinating Pregnant People
Oct. 5, 2021 ||HHS guidance clarifies how HIPAA applies to COVID-19 vaccination status requests; CDC urges pregnant people to get vaccinated amid a surge in hospitalizations.
view more »Administration Releases Part II of Surprise Billing Regulations
Oct. 5, 2021 ||The departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Treasury, and Labor and the Office of Personnel Management issued Part II of the No Surprises Act interim final rule with comment period.
view more »Association Asks HHS to Target COVID-19 Funds to Essential Hospitals
Sept. 27, 2021 ||In a Sept. 20 letter, America's Essential Hospitals welcomes the announcement of additional COVID-19 relief funding but notes the methodology falls short of adequate support for safety net providers. The association urges HHS to issue another targeted safety net distribution, among other requests.
view more »Final Rule on ACA Marketplace for 2022 Plan Year
Sept. 21, 2021 ||The rule, released by the Department of Health and Human Service and the Department of Treasury, extends open enrollment, adds a new special enrollment period, expands navigator responsibilities, and modifies Section 1332 innovation waivers.
view more »HHS Releases Proposal to Lower Rx Drug Costs
Sept. 14, 2021 ||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.
view more »A total of $25.5 billion will be available, including $17 billion through the Provider Relief Fund and $8.5 billion in American Rescue Plan funding for providers serving rural patients. Providers can apply for the new funding Sept. 29.
view more »On the Hill: House Passes Budget Resolution
Aug. 31, 2021 ||The House passed a procedural rule setting the stage for the chamber's development of a "human infrastructure" package under budget reconciliation. In a concession to moderate Democrats, the rule calls for the House to vote by Sept. 27 on the bipartisan physical infrastructure legislation.
view more »Association Urges HHS to Boost Pandemic Response
Aug. 30, 2021 ||In a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, America's Essential Hospitals urges the agency to swiftly allocate and target remaining PRF funds, take steps to ensure adequate hospital staffing, expedite full approval of COVID-19 vaccines, and protect the nation's supply chain.
view more »On the Hill: Senate Republicans Block Infrastructure Framework
July 27, 2021 ||Negotiations continue on a bipartisan physical infrastructure plan after Senate Republicans blocked a procedural vote to begin formal deliberations on the framework. Republican senators opposed the legislative text because it is not final and has no Congressional Budget Office score.
view more »On the Hill: Infrastructure Negotiations, HHS Budget
July 20, 2021 ||As a bipartisan group of senators crafts infrastructure legislation, Senate Democrats work to develop a human infrastructure package.
view more »The rule, released by the departments of Health and Human Services, the Treasury, and Labor and the Office of Personnel Management, bars health care insurers, carriers, and providers from billing patients more than in-network cost sharing amounts in certain circumstances.
view more »Executive Order Aims to Promote Economic Competition
July 13, 2021 ||Notable to essential hospitals, the Biden administration's July 9 executive order includes health care items related to prescription drugs, price transparency, hospital consolidation, and health insurance.
view more »On the Hill: Advancing Infrastructure Bills before August Recess
July 13, 2021 ||Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) aims to vote on a bipartisan physical infrastructure bill, as well as a budget resolution to begin the process of advancing a "human infrastructure" package, before the chamber adjourns for its August recess.
view more »HHS Awards $250M to Fight COVID-19 Among Marginalized Communities
July 13, 2021 ||The Department of Health and Human Services announced $250 million in grant awards to 73 local governments as part of a new initiative to identify and implement best practices for improving health literacy to enhance COVID-19 vaccination among underserved populations.
view more »On the Hill: Deal Reached on Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework
June 29, 2021 ||A bipartisan group of senators reached an agreement with the White House on a $1.2 trillion physical infrastructure framework that lists extending the 2 percent Medicare sequester cut as a potential method of funding the package. Lawmakers now must turn the framework into legislation.
view more »Biden Administration Formally Proposes to Rescind FQHC Rule
June 21, 2021 ||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.
view more »The Department of Health and Human Services revises reporting requirements and extends the deadlines for providers to use and report on the use of Provider Relief Fund payments.
view more »On the Hill: New, $1.2T Bipartisan Physical Infrastructure Plan
June 15, 2021 ||The new infrastructure deal comes after months-long negotiations between the Biden administration and Senate Republicans fell apart. It includes roughly $579 billion in new spending. However, lawmakers in both parties expressed skepticism that the plan could secure enough votes to pass the Senate.
view more »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.
view more »CMS Announces $80M in Grant Funding for Navigators
June 7, 2021 ||The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is issuing $80 million in grant funding for navigators in states using the federal insurance marketplace for the 2022 plan year.
view more »FDA lengthens the refrigerator storage time for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. A new CDC site aggregates state and local COVID-19 funding opportunities. The Department of Health and Human Services allocates $4.8 billion to the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program.
view more »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.
view more »In letters to manufacturers, HHS makes a clear and forceful statement about the manufacturers’ illegal limits on access to 340B Drug Pricing Program discounts.
view more »HHS Will Enforce ACA’s Nondiscrimination Protections
May 17, 2021 ||HHS will interpret and enforce the Affordable Care Act's prohibition on discrimination "on the basis of sex" to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The change comes in response to a Trump administration rule in June 2020 that removed protections for transgender and LGBTQ individuals.
view more »Association Responds to Proposed HIPAA Changes
May 11, 2021 ||In a letter to the HHS Office of Civil Rights (OCR), America's Essential Hospitals responds to proposed changes to privacy rules under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. OCR outlined the changes in a Jan. 21 proposed rule aiming to improve the transition to value-based care.
view more »On the Hill: Biden Meets with Lawmakers to Talk Infrastructure
May 10, 2021 ||President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with House and Senate lawmakers this week to discuss a bipartisan path forward on infrastructure legislation ahead of his fiscal year 2022 budget proposal. The Senate is expected to confirm Andrea Joan Palm as deputy secretary of health and human services.
view more »New Health Equity Technical Assistance Page
May 4, 2021 ||The Office of Minority Health page includes tools for data collection and analysis, developing language access plans, and strategic plan creation.
view more »HHS Updates Buprenorphine Prescribing Requirements
May 3, 2021 ||Effective April 28, HHS expanded the group of providers eligible to prescribe buprenorphine, a drug used to treat opioid use disorder, and removed some barriers to its use.
view more »HHS Announces Navigator Funding, New Open Enrollment Report
May 2, 2021 ||The Department of Health and Human Services announced $80 million in grants to increase access to marketplace enrollment assistance for consumers. The agency's 2021 open enrollment report shows more than 12 million consumers selected a marketplace plan during the 2021 open enrollment period.
view more »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.
view more »On the Hill: Infrastructure Talks Continue; CMS, HHS Nominee Hearings
April 20, 2021 ||The president met with a group of bipartisan lawmakers to discuss his $2 trillion American Jobs Plan infrastructure proposal; other lawmakers have expressed interest in a less costly, more targeted package. The Senate Committee on Finance is expected to advance two Biden administration nominees.
view more »HHS Approves Historic Maternal Health Waiver
April 13, 2021 ||The waiver makes Illinois the first state to provide continuity of full Medicaid benefit coverage for mothers by extending eligibility during the entire first year after delivery.
view more »COVID-19: Janssen Vaccine on Hold; Health Center Vaccine Program
April 13, 2021 ||CDC and FDA recommend pausing Janssen COVID-19 vaccine administration after six U.S. reports of blood clots; HHS expands the Health Center Vaccine Program.
view more »On the Hill: Congress Focuses on Medicare Cut, Infrastructure Funding
April 13, 2021 ||The House will vote as early as tonight to extend the moratorium on the 2 percent Medicare sequester cut; CMS has held provider claims in anticipation of this bill passing. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue conversations on infrastructure funding and workplace violence prevention.
view more »COVID-19: Community Corps, Travel and Cleaning Guidance
April 6, 2021 ||HHS and CDC launch a nationwide grassroots vaccine promotion network; CDC issues new guidance on travel, cleaning, and disinfection.
view more »COVID-19: Vaccine Access and Effectiveness
March 30, 2021 ||President Joe Biden announced initiatives to expand COVID-19 vaccine access; a CDC study shows mRNA vaccines are highly effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection.
view more »Hospitals Outline Pandemic Challenges in New HHS Report
March 26, 2021 ||In a new HHS Office of Inspector General report, hospitals highlight challenges associated with the public health emergency — including barriers to care delivery and vaccination, staff burnout, supply shortages, and declining revenue — that have strained the nation's health care delivery system.
view more »On the Hill: House Votes to Avert Medicare Cuts; Becerra Confirmed
March 23, 2021 ||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.
view more »Essential Hospitals Applaud Becerra Confirmation
March 18, 2021 ||Xavier Becerra brings to the Department of Health and Human Services a strong record of accomplishments as a champion for health care coverage and equity. We welcome his experience and commitment to health care access as we continue the fight against COVID-19.
view more »On the Hill: Averting Medicare Cuts, Funding Hospital Infrastructure
March 16, 2021 ||The House this week will vote on legislation to extend the moratorium on a 2 percent Medicare sequester cut. House Democrats unveil an infrastructure package that prioritizes funding for construction and modernization activities to bolster public health preparedness and cyberattack prevention.
view more »HHS Proposes Further Delay of FQHC Rule
March 15, 2021 ||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.
view more »Federal Court Vacates Provisions in 2019 Marketplace Rule
March 12, 2021 ||A federal court vacated several policies in the Trump Administration’s 2019 health insurance marketplace rule for violating federal law, including provisions related to review of network adequacy, standardized options, income verification requirements, and reducing medical loss ratio rebates.
view more »New Guidance on Provider Relief Fund, Medicaid DSH Payments
March 9, 2021 ||The guidance clarifies how hospitals receiving Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments can use Provider Relief Fund general and targeted distribution payments.
view more »Association Asks HHS to Direct More PRF Funds to Essential Hospitals
March 8, 2021 ||In a letter, America's Essential Hospitals urges swift allocation of the remaining funds in the $178 billion Provider Relief Fund and calls for another targeted distribution to hospitals omitted from the first two safety-net distributions, among other requests.
view more »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.
view more »COVID-19: Janssen Vaccine EUA, Coverage FAQs
March 2, 2021 ||FDA granted an emergency use authorization for the one-dose Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and an at-home COVID test; a multi-agency FAQ document addresses COVID-19 health coverage.
view more »COVID-19: Vaccine Safety Profiles; Testing Expansion
Feb. 23, 2021 ||A CDC report shows promising COVID-19 vaccine safety profiles; the federal COVID-19 task force expands support for vaccination and testing.
view more »On the Hill: Lawmakers Race to Pass COVID-19 Relief
Feb. 23, 2021 ||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.
view more »COVID-19: Mask Requirements, PREP Act Amendment
Feb. 2, 2021 ||A new CDC order requires mask use on public transportation; a PREP Act amendment expands the provider groups authorized to administer vaccines.
view more »Biden Signs Executive Order to Strengthen Medicaid, ACA
Feb. 1, 2021 ||President Biden released an executive order to strengthen Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. The order calls for a special enrollment period on the federally facilitated exchange for uninsured or underinsured individuals — particularly those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
view more »Biden Administration Freezes Pending Regulations
Jan. 26, 2021 ||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.
view more »The new guidance and deadline apply to all provider relief fund allocations to date except the Health Resources and Services Administration uninsured program, nursing home infection control distribution, and rural health clinic testing distribution.
view more »COVID-19: Vaccination Toolkits, PRF Reporting Update
Jan. 19, 2021 ||As a highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variant spreads across the country, CDC issues two new vaccination toolkits; HHS alters its Provider Relief Fund reporting timeline.
view more »Extension of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Jan. 11, 2021 ||Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar extended, effective Jan. 21, the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) determination. The PHE determination has been in place since Jan. 31, 2020; it was set to expire Jan. 20, 2021.
view more »HHS Begins Distributing $24B in Provider Relief Funds
Dec. 17, 2020 ||On Dec. 16, the Health Resources and Services Administration completed its review of Phase 3 applications for Provider Relief Fund money and will distribute $24.5 billion to more than 70,000 providers.
view more »COVID-19: Pfizer Vaccine EUA, Hospital Reporting Requirements
Dec. 15, 2020 ||FDA authorizes the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use; HHS expands hospital COVID-19 data reporting requirements to include therapeutic data.
view more »HHS Proposes Changes to HIPAA Privacy Rule
Dec. 15, 2020 ||The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights proposed modifications to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy rule as part of the agency's regulatory sprint to coordinated care.
view more »Maternal Health Action Plan, Call to Action
Dec. 8, 2020 ||The Department of Health and Human Services released a detailed action plan on maternal health and announced a public-private partnership to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. The surgeon general simultaneously announced a call to action to improve maternal health, complementing HHS' plan.
view more »America’s Essential Hospitals supports the nomination of Xavier Becerra as the next secretary of health and human services, and we applaud the incoming Biden administration for its other choices to lead key federal health care agencies and initiatives.
view more »The two rules, finalized Nov. 20, aim to eliminate barriers to care coordination and undue burden under current fraud and abuse laws. One provides exceptions to the physician anti-referral law, and one modifies existing safe harbor protections under the anti-kickback statute.
view more »HHS Finalizes Changes to Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute
Nov. 23, 2020 ||The Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized rules in conjunction with HHS' regulatory sprint to coordinated care. The OIG rule modifies safe harbor protections; CMS’ rule targets undue burden of the physician self-referral law, or Stark law.
view more »COVID-19: Eli Lilly EUA, Pfizer Vaccine Analysis
Nov. 10, 2020 ||FDA grants emergency use authorization for an Eli Lilly antibody treatment; a Pfizer vaccine has promising early results; President-elect Biden names a COVID-19 advisory board.
view more »Operation Warp Speed Releases Principles for Therapeutics
Nov. 10, 2020 ||Operation Warp Speed (OWS), a joint effort by the departments of Defense and Health and Human Services, on a stakeholder call discussed principles for allocation and distribution of therapeutics, specifically monoclonal antibodies. OWS also released a draft pre-emergency use authorization playbook.
view more »HHS Finalizes Coverage Transparency Rule
Nov. 6, 2020 ||The rule sets content elements a plan or issuer must disclose for a covered item or service. The rule also finalizes changes to the medical loss ratio program to allow issuers offering group or individual health coverage to receive credit for certain savings they share with enrollees.
view more »HHS Updates Provider Relief Fund FAQs with Reporting Content
Nov. 3, 2020 ||The new FAQs specify that a provider may use PRF payments to cover the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine licensed by the Food and Drug Administration. Providers also may use PRF funds to prepare for the distribution of a vaccine before it becomes available.
view more »HHS, CMS Taking Email Questions on Data Collection, Enforcement
Oct. 29, 2020 ||New email inboxes set up by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will take questions about the updated guidance for hospital COVID-19 data reporting requirements as part of Medicare conditions of participation.
view more »In response to stakeholder and congressional feedback, the Department of Health and Human Services revised reporting requirements for health care providers who receive more than $10,000 total in Provider Relief Fund payments.
view more »COVID-19: Hospital Data Published, Remdesivir Approval
Oct. 27, 2020 ||Hospital COVID-19 data is public on HHS Protect; FDA approves first treatment for hospitalized COVID-19 patients; CDC redefines "close contact."
view more »The Department of Health and Human Services distributed a lateral flow COVID-19 diagnostic test to states and territories across the country. Several states — including Arkansas, Kentucky, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Utah—are using the tests to target vulnerable populations.
view more »HHS Webinar Series on Hospital COVID-19 Data Reporting
Oct. 20, 2020 ||The webinar series for hospitals and other stakeholders will review new requirements for reporting COVID-19 data as a Medicare condition of participation and feature administration subject matter experts.
view more »New Information on Phase 3 of Provider Relief Fund Distribution
Oct. 12, 2020 ||An upcoming webinar and stakeholder toolkit support the new $20 billion general distribution of the Provider Relief Fund; the application period runs through Nov. 6.
view more »Association Asks HHS to Withdraw PRF Reporting Guidance
Oct. 12, 2020 ||America’s Essential Hospitals requested that HHS withdraw its recent Provider Relief Fund post-payment reporting guidance, as the agency's new definitions of the terms "lost revenue" and "expense" contradict its previous definitions and could have adverse consequences for essential hospitals.
view more »CDC reports that airborne transmission is rare but possible; a framework includes recommendations for equitable vaccine allocation.
view more »HHS has issued a notice on data reporting requirements for providers who receive funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Provider Relief Fund.
view more »New $20B Distribution of Provider Relief Funds
Oct. 2, 2020 ||A new $20 billion distribution of the Provider Relief Fund is open to eligible providers on the front lines of the pandemic, including those who already received PRF payments and need additional support, certain previously ineligible providers, and an expanded group of behavioral health providers.
view more »Federal COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy Released
Sept. 21, 2020 ||An Operation Warp Speed strategy summarizes the federal government's plan for distributing and administering a COVID-19 vaccine.
view more »HHS Acts on Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home Aid
Sept. 8, 2020 ||HHS announced that assisted living facilities can now apply for a relief fund payment from the second-phase general allocation. The agency also released information on how it will determine incentive payments under the nursing home allocation.
view more »Association to HHS: Prioritize Remaining Relief Dollars
Sept. 1, 2020 ||In a Sept. 1 letter, America's Essential Hospitals urged HHS to prioritize remaining Provider Relief Fund dollars for hospitals still in need, especially those that have yet to receive a payment from any targeted allocation, such as the safety-net and high-impact distributions.
view more »Interim Final Rule Establishes COVID-19 Data Reporting as Medicare Condition of Participation
Aug. 31, 2020 ||In the interim final rule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services establishes that hospitals and critical access hospitals must report certain information, at a frequency and in a standardized format, as specified by the Department of Health and Human Services during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
view more »HHS Extends Deadline for Provider Relief Fund Portal
Aug. 26, 2020 ||Providers now have until Sept. 13 to apply for additional payment from the general allocation of the Provider Relief Fund. The initial deadline was Aug. 28.
view more »Statement on Manufacturer Data Requests to 340B Covered Entities
Aug. 18, 2020 ||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.
view more »HHS announces $6.5 million in testing investments; CDC issues antigen testing guidance; HHS partners with Moderna to manufacture and deliver its vaccine.
view more »HHS Distributes Relief Funds to Children’s Hospitals
Aug. 18, 2020 ||The Department of Health and Human Services will distribute $1.4 billion in Provider Relief Fund payments to nearly 80 free-standing children's hospitals.
view more »HHS Opens Application Portal for Provider Relief Fund
Aug. 14, 2020 ||Medicare providers that did not receive payment from the $20 billion distribution from the general allocation can apply for additional funding through the portal; applications are due Aug. 28. HHS also announced a $5 billion allocation for nursing homes and long term–care facilities.
view more »COVID-19: Electronic Reporting, Operation Warp Speed Update
Aug. 11, 2020 ||CDC onboards health departments to conduct electronic data reporting; HHS awards funding to Johnson & Johnson for vaccine manufacturing and delivery.
view more »COVID-19: Self-Checker, Data Reporting FAQs
Aug. 4, 2020 ||Health systems can add CDC's Coronavirus Self-Checker to their own website; HHS updates COVID-19 data reporting FAQs; CDC shares guidance on pooling tests.
view more »HHS Extends, Reopens Provider Relief Fund Applications
Aug. 4, 2020 ||The Department of Health and Human Services will extend the application deadline for Provider Relief Fund payments for eligible Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program providers, and will reopen the portal for Medicare providers to apply for additional payments from the general allocation.
view more »White House Issues Executive Orders on Lowering Drug Prices
July 28, 2020 ||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.
view more »Association Asks HHS to Make Telehealth Flexibility Permanent
July 28, 2020 ||The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the efficacy of telehealth. America's Essential Hospitals asked the administration to permanently expand the list of Medicare reimbursable telehealth services and allow reimbursement of certain services using audio-only technology.
view more »Extension of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
July 27, 2020 ||Effective July 25, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar issued a renewal of determination that a public health emergency exists due to COVID-19.
view more »HHS Allocates Additional $10B to Hospitals in COVID-19 Hotspots
July 20, 2020 ||HHS will pay $50,000 per eligible admission to hospitals with more than 161 COVID-19 admissions from Jan. 1 to June 10. The agency will account for funding received by hospitals in a May disbursement of high-impact funds in determining the amount facilities receive in this round.
view more »COVID-19 Guidance: Data Reporting, Alternate Care Sites
July 14, 2020 ||HHS issues updated guidance on COVID-19 data reporting; an updated toolkit provides new guidance for alternate care sites to manage patient surge.
view more »Association Tracks COVID-19 Authority, Flexibility Expirations
July 14, 2020 ||A new members-only resource tracks relevant expiration dates for additional authority and flexibility options provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.
view more »The Department of Health and Human Services July 10 announced additional, targeted allotments from the Provider Relief Fund for hospitals filling a safety-net role, specific rural hospitals, and other serving small metropolitan areas.
view more »Association Urges HHS to Fill Safety-Net Allocation Gaps
July 6, 2020 ||In a July 6 letter, the association urged HHS to use a refined methodology that directs a portion of the remaining dollars in the Provider Relief Fund to hospitals filling a safety-net role that did not receive payment in the initial safety-net allocation.
view more »HHS finalized a rule overhauling the ACA to remove some nondiscrimination protections for transgender individuals and requirements for treating people with limited English proficiency. In a statement, the association said the decision puts the health and safety of vulnerable populations at risk.
view more »New Resources for Hypertension Management
July 1, 2020 ||HHS released the second edition of the Million Hearts Hypertension Control Change Package, a compilation of concepts, ideas, and evidence- and practice-based tools and resources used by health centers and clinics to improve hypertension control.
view more »COVID-19: New Remdesivir Allocation; ED Use Decline
June 30, 2020 ||HHS has acquired additional remdesivir to be sold at wholesale allocation price; CDC reports declining emergency department use during the pandemic and updates its list of conditions that increase risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
view more »COVID-19: Hospitalization Risk Factors, Medicare Data
June 23, 2020 ||A report highlights hospitalization risk factors for COVID-19, and GAO evaluates the National Disaster Medical System. FDA revokes emergency use authorizations for chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate.
view more »HHS Releases Detailed Methodology for Safety-Net Allocation
June 19, 2020 ||HHS made public the 2018 Medicare cost report data sources used to determine eligibility for the $10 billion targeted safety-net allocation from the Provider Relief Fund. Hospitals had to meet three metrics to be eligible; 761 hospitals received payment.
view more »Final Rule Removes Gender Identity, Language Access Protections
June 16, 2020 ||The Department of Health and Human Services finalized a rule overhauling parts of the Affordable Care Act to remove nondiscrimination protections for transgender individuals and certain language access requirements for providing health care services to people with limited English proficiency.
view more »HHS Releases More Information on Relief Fund Allocation
June 16, 2020 ||HHS identified hospitals eligible for part of a $10 billion Provider Relief Fund allocation to aid safety-net providers. The agency also made public a list of total payments by state, including the number of hospitals in each state receiving a payment in this distribution.
view more »The Department of Health and Human Services June 9 announced additional, targeted allocations from the Provider Relief Fund for hospitals filling a safety-net role and sole Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program providers.
view more »Statement on Additional COVID-19 Aid for the Safety Net
June 9, 2020 ||Today’s announcement of $10 billion in additional funding for hospitals that provide safety-net care, as well as a future allocation of $10 billion for providers in COVID-19 hot spots, will help ease the financial pain this public health emergency has inflicted on these caregivers.
view more »New guidance provides details on COVID-19 lab test data reporting and flexible options for states implementing a Medicaid group for testing the uninsured.
view more »HHS Distributes Provider Relief Fund Payments to SNFs, IHS
May 26, 2020 ||The Department of Health and Human Services announced two distributions from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, known as the Provider Relief Fund: $4.9 billion for skilled nursing facilities and $500 million for Indian Health Service providers.
view more »June 3 Deadline for Provider Relief Fund Documentation
May 21, 2020 ||Providers have until June 3 to accept terms and conditions and submit necessary documentation to receive additional payments from the Provider Relief Fund to support providers incurring health care–related expenses and lost revenue from response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
view more »States Make Plans to Distribute Remdesivir
May 18, 2020 ||HHS has left it up to the states' discretion on how to distribute the investigational antiviral drug. Several states — including Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Texas — are beginning to release plans on the distribution of the drug.
view more »HHS Announces Allocation Plan for Drug Remdesivir
May 11, 2020 ||Hospitals interested in administering the donated experimental drug should contact their state health department.
view more »HHS Extends Provider Relief Fund Attestation Deadline
May 11, 2020 ||Providers now have 45 days, increased from 30 days, to attest and accept the terms and conditions for payments from the Provider Relief Fund to support providers incurring health care–related expenses and lost revenue from response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
view more »Association Requests Additional $20B for Essential Hospitals
May 7, 2020 ||America's Essential Hospitals in a May 5 letter urged the Department of Health and Human Services to allocate $20 billion specifically to essential hospitals that serve large Medicaid and low-income patient populations, to ensure the stability of the nation’s health care safety net.
view more »Many states are beginning to lift restrictions put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including resuming elective surgeries in hospitals. Meanwhile, the National Association of Medicaid Directors urges the administration work with Medicaid directors to distribute needed funds to providers.
view more »HHS Distributes Targeted COVID-19 Relief Payments
May 4, 2020 ||This targeted allocation distributes $12 billion to 395 hospitals that provided inpatient care for 100 or more COVID-19 patients through April 10. Of that total, $2 billion is allocated to hospitals based on Medicare and Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) and uncompensated care payments.
view more »Register for Reimbursement of COVID-19 Services to Uninsured
April 28, 2020 ||Hospitals can now register as participating providers to receive reimbursement for COVID-19 testing and treatment services furnished to uninsured patients on or after Feb. 4. Participating providers can begin submitting claims May 6.
view more »HHS opened the verification portal for providers to submit patient revenue data for payments from the general allocation of the COVID-19 provider relief fund. The agency also answered frequently asked questions and posted a fact sheet to aid providers requesting and attesting to receipt of payments.
view more »President Signs Interim Emergency Funding Bill
April 26, 2020 ||The bipartisan legislation provides $484 billion in resources across the Department of Health and Human Services and the Small Business Administration, including an additional $75 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for providers.
view more »The Department of Health and Human Services announced April 22 how it will allocate more than $70 billion in COVID-19 provider relief under the CARES Act, including targeted aid for hospitals and other providers on the front lines of the pandemic.
view more »HHS Extends Data Submission Deadline for Targeted Relief Payments
April 23, 2020 ||Hospitals now have until April 25 at 3 pm ET to submit data to HHS that will inform how the agency will allocate $10 billion in COVID-19 provider relief funds in areas most impacted by the pandemic.
view more »HHS Details Allocations for COVID-19 Provider Relief Funds
April 23, 2020 ||HHS announced additional detail on how the agency intends to distribute the COVID-19 relief fund to hospitals and other providers. HHS will allocate funds through a general approach and use a targeted approach for certain hospitals, rural providers, and Indian Health Services.
view more »Essential Hospitals Welcome Targeting of CARES Act Funding
April 22, 2020 ||We thank the administration for hearing our concerns about how it targets Public Health and Social Services Fund funding and for directing additional dollars to hospitals bearing the heaviest burden of COVID-19 care and costs.
view more »Letter to Congress Urges Resources, Relief for Essential Hospitals
April 17, 2020 ||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.
view more »COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund Attestation Portal Open
April 16, 2020 ||HHS has distributed $30 billion of the COVID-19 provider relief fund. Providers have 30 days from receipt of their payment to complete attestation and agree to terms and services or return the payment.
view more »COVID-19: Infection Control Guidance, Reporting FAQs
April 14, 2020 ||New CDC guidance requires face coverings for all who enter a health care facility. HHS Secretary Azar issues FAQs on testing and reporting requirements. Federal agencies warn about scams related to COVID-19.
view more »Association Continues to Urge HHS to Target COVID-19 Relief Funds
April 13, 2020 ||In an April 10 letter, America's Essential Hospitals urged the agency to target critical relief to essential hospitals, expressed concern about disbursements based on Medicare payments, and offered general metrics to identify and support providers serving Medicaid and low-income patients.
view more »The fund, authorized by the CARES Act, intends to support providers incurring health care–related expenses and lost revenue from COVID-19 pandemic response.
view more »HHS Must Move Quickly on Additional Funding That Targets the Safety Net
April 10, 2020 ||The department must ensure the next round of CARES Act funding targets hospitals disadvantaged by the formula used to allocate the initial $30 billion distribution.
view more »HHS Disburses First $30B of COVID-19 Provider Relief
April 10, 2020 ||Providers will receive direct deposits of their share of the $30 billion based on 2019 Medicare fee-for-service payments.
view more »COVID-19: Rapid Tests, Cloth Masks, Hospitals Report Challenges
April 7, 2020 ||HHS sends rapid tests to public health labs and issues a HIPAA enforcement notice; CDC recommends cloth masks; a new OIG report details hospital challenges amid the pandemic.
view more »Association Urges HHS to Target COVID-19 Funds to Essential Hospitals
March 31, 2020 ||The association calls on HHS to design a mechanism to distribute funds made available by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to hospitals serving vulnerable communities and complex patients and facing other challenges during this public health emergency.
view more »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.
view more »HHS Expands Telehealth Flexibility During COVID-19 Crisis
March 24, 2020 ||HHS announced new flexibility to increase coverage of Medicare telehealth services during the COVID-19 crisis. In separate guidance, HHS’ Office of Inspector General will allow providers to use a variety of audio and video communication platforms without incurring penalties under HIPAA.
view more »Wash. Receives 1135 Waiver Approval
March 23, 2020 ||Washington state received approval for a Section 1135 waiver, targeted at removing additional Medicare and Medicaid regulatory barriers for providers to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
view more »The law increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage to states, allows states to extend Medicaid eligibility, and requires diagnostic test coverage.
view more »Court Vacates Mich. Medicaid Work Requirements
March 9, 2020 ||This decision is the latest of several court cases invalidating work requirements policies in Medicaid; Utah now is the only state with these requirements in effect. It is unknown at this time if Michigan or the Department of Health and Human Services will appeal the decision.
view more »ONC Releases Final Report on Reducing EHR Burden
March 3, 2020 ||The report, mandated by the 21st Century Cures Act, highlights issues and challenges pertaining to the use of health information technology and electronic health records (EHRs) in four categories: clinical documentation; usability and the user experience; EHR reporting; and public health reporting.
view more »Appeals Court Strikes Down Ark. Medicaid Work Requirements
Feb. 20, 2020 ||In the unanimous decision, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit found that the Department of Health and Human Services failed to adequately assess the potential impact of work requirements on coverage under Arkansas' Section 1115 demonstration waiver.
view more »President Releases FY 2021 Budget Proposal
Feb. 11, 2020 ||The proposal calls for $920 billion in cuts to Medicaid funding, including a call to finalize the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation.
view more »Coronavirus Spurs CDC Foreign Quarantine Regulation Change
Feb. 11, 2020 ||A new rule allows CDC to require that airlines collect and provide data on passengers and crew arriving from foreign countries for health education, treatment, prophylaxis, or other public health interventions.
view more »HHS Warns of Cyberattacks Exploiting Coronavirus Outbreak
Feb. 6, 2020 ||The agency reports that cybercriminals could send "phishing" emails purporting to include infection prevention information related to the new coronavirus (2019-nCOV) outbreak.
view more »Association Comments on Health Plan Transparency Proposals
Feb. 3, 2020 ||In response to a joint proposal, America’s Essential Hospitals expressed concern about mandating the public posting of payer-specific negotiated rates and urged the departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services to seek alternatives that better serve consumers.
view more »Association Comments on Revised Public Charge Definition
Nov. 19, 2019 ||In a letter to the Department of State, America’s Essential Hospitals expressed concern that broadening the definition of public charge would harm the nation’s health care system, vulnerable patients, and state and local economies.
view more »On the Hill: Clock Ticking on FY 2020 Spending Bills
Nov. 5, 2019 ||Twelve spending bills must advance through Congress and be signed by the president by Nov. 21 to fully fund the federal government for fiscal year 2020.
view more »HHS Issues Opioid Pain Management Guidance for Clinicians
Oct. 11, 2019 ||The guidance seeks to reduce the risk of substance use disorder while providing effective pain management for chronic pain patients.
view more »CMS, OIG Propose to Modify Fraud and Abuse Laws
Oct. 10, 2019 ||The proposed rules seek to eliminate barriers to promoting care coordination under current fraud and abuse laws; comments are due to the agencies Dec. 31.
view more »President Trump Signs Medicare Executive Order
Oct. 7, 2019 ||The order directs the Department of Health and Human Services to alter the Medicare Advantage program, increase cost and quality transparency, and continue site-neutral payment policies.
view more »Essential Hospitals Applaud Court Ruling on Outpatient Payments
Sept. 18, 2019 ||The U.S. District Court’s ruling that the government overstepped its authority by cutting payments to hospital outpatient clinics is a victory for vulnerable patients and an important step toward protecting access to care in underserved communities.
view more »HHS Awards States $1.8 Billion to Support Opioid Crisis Efforts
Sept. 5, 2019 ||Funding will support the State Opioid Response Grant Program and a cooperative agreement to help state and local governments track overdose data.
view more »Association Provides Feedback on Reducing Burden
Aug. 12, 2019 ||America’s Essential Hospitals urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to reduce administrative burden regarding clinical documentation, health information technology, and public health reporting.
view more »HHS Seeks Innovations for Emergency Response, Recovery
July 19, 2019 ||The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response initiative seeks to harness cutting-edge technologies to support emergency response and recovery. It will kick off with an innovation day event, Aug. 7–8, to engage with stakeholders.
view more »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.
view more »A proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services would overhaul parts of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, removing some nondiscrimination protections for transgender individuals and requirements for covered entities treating people with limited English proficiency.
view more »HHS Issues Nondiscrimination Proposed Rule
May 28, 2019 ||The rule would eliminate protection from discrimination in health care settings based on gender identity and roll back requirements to notify individuals with limited English proficiency of antidiscrimination policies and access to translation services.
view more »Presidential Memo Targets Enforcement of Immigrant Benefit Rules
May 28, 2019 ||Under current law, most individuals applying to enter the country on a visa or applying for a green card must submit an affidavit of support from a sponsor residing in the United States who meets certain criteria. The memo claims these requirements are not adequately enforced.
view more »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.
view more »On the Hill: House Votes on Rx Bills, ACA Measures
May 7, 2019 ||The House this week will take up legislation to protect people with pre-existing conditions and help generic drug and biosimilar manufacturers bring their products to market. A House letter calling for a delay of Medicaid DSH payment cuts has 286 bipartisan signatures; the deadline to sign is May 8.
view more »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.
view more »HHS Issues Guidance on HIPAA, Health IT
April 24, 2019 ||The Office for Civil Rights updated its website with new guidance related to health information technology access rights under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The guidance is particularly relevant given the push for increased patient access through third-party applications.
view more »CMS Launches HIPAA Administrative Simplification Compliance Program
April 1, 2019 ||The agency in April will randomly select nine Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act–covered entities, including health plans and clearinghouses, for compliance reviews.
view more »Court Rejects Arkansas, Kentucky Work Requirements
April 1, 2019 ||The court ruled that the Department of Health and Human Services overstepped its authority and failed to show that work requirements would help promote the purpose of the Medicaid program
view more »MACPAC Issues Recommendations for Medicaid DSH, Supplemental Payments
March 18, 2019 ||The report proposes three recommendations responding to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital allotment reductions and responds to concerns about the accuracy and completeness of available upper payment limit data.
view more »President Releases FY 2020 Budget Proposal
March 12, 2019 ||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.
view more »Association Responds to HIPAA Information Request
Feb. 13, 2019 ||In response to a request for information, America's Essential Hospitals urges the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure enforcement of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act encourages care coordination and reduces regulatory burden on essential hospitals.
view more »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.
view more »The new report, released by a public-private task force led by the Department of Health and Human Services, outlines common cybersecurity threats to health care organizations and best practices to counter such risks.
view more »HHS Issues Naloxone Guidance
Dec. 21, 2018 ||The new guidance recommends that clinicians consider prescribing or coprescribing naloxone to individuals with a high risk of opioid overdose.
view more »HHS Requests Feedback on Modifying HIPAA
Dec. 17, 2018 ||The Department of Health and Human Services released a request for information on ways to modify the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act to improve care coordination, promote value-based care, and reduce regulatory burden on providers.
view more »CMS Reapproves Kentucky Medicaid Work Requirements
Dec. 4, 2018 ||The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia vacated the previous approval, saying the administration failed to adequately assess the waiver's impact on Medicaid’s core objective: to provide health care coverage for beneficiaries.
view more »Statement on Final Rule for 340B Ceiling Price Transparency
Nov. 29, 2018 ||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.
view more »Association Responds to Medicare RFI on Social Risk Factors
Nov. 21, 2018 ||America’s Essential Hospitals highlighted the unique role essential hospitals play in treating individuals with social risk factors.
view more »HRSA Moves Up Effective Date for 340B Ceiling Price, CMP Rule
Nov. 6, 2018 ||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.
view more »Bipartisan Opioid Bill Becomes Law
Oct. 30, 2018 ||President Trump signed long-awaited bipartisan legislation to combat the opioid epidemic; the law does not align confidentiality regulations for substance use disorder treatment records with HIPAA privacy standards.
view more »The new law, which represents the federal government’s first comprehensive policy response to the nation’s opioid crisis, aims to advance treatment and recovery initiatives, improve prevention, protect communities, and bolster efforts to fight deadly illicit synthetic drugs.
view more »Hospital Groups Comment on Medicare, Medicaid Interoperability
Oct. 22, 2018 ||America’s Essential Hospitals and six other hospital groups urged Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar to refrain from adding health information exchange requirements to the Medicare and Medicaid Conditions of Participation.
view more »ASPE Seeks Information on Social Risk Factors
Oct. 19, 2018 ||The association strongly encourages essential hospitals to submit individual comments with specific examples of how your institution addresses social risk factors among Medicare beneficiaries; comments are due Nov. 16.
view more »HHS Challenge Combats Antibiotic, Antimicrobial Resistance
Oct. 5, 2018 ||This yearlong global initiative challenges governments, private industries, and nongovernmental organizations to commit to reducing antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance.
view more »HHS Awards $1B to Combat Opioid Epidemic
Sept. 20, 2018 ||This funding supports initiatives under the agency's Five-Point Opioid Strategy and was distributed in conjunction with Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week.
view more »HHS Responds to Hurricane Florence State of Emergency
Sept. 18, 2018 ||The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services waived program requirements in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina; the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention issued guidance for treating carbon monoxide poisoning in hurricane victims.
view more »On the Hill: Senators Lead Campaign Against Site-Neutral Cuts
Sept. 18, 2018 ||Two senators lead a letter-signing campaign to stop the expansion of hospital outpatient department cuts; in a 99-1 vote, the Senate approves legislation to combat the opioid crisis and is poised to vote on a spending bill for fiscal year 2019.
view more »Hospital Groups File Lawsuit to Shine Needed Light on Drug Company Pricing and Overcharging
Sept. 11, 2018 ||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.
view more »New Cybersecurity Resources for Health IT Professionals
Sept. 4, 2018 ||New resources from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthcare Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center outline new hacking and malware threats and prevention techniques.
view more »On the Hill: Kavanaugh Nomination, FY 2019 Federal Funding
Sept. 4, 2018 ||Before starting the final campaign stretch, Congress returns to Washington to consider Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination and to fund the federal government for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1.
view more »On the Hill: Senate Back, Focus on HHS Spending Bill
Aug. 20, 2018 ||Senate leaders hope to pass by Labor Day legislation to appropriate funds for the Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education departments; a Senate committee will examine Medicaid fraud.
view more »On the Hill: Focus on Health Care Ahead of Elections
Aug. 7, 2018 ||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.
view more »Agencies Finalize Rule on Short-Term Insurance Plans
Aug. 6, 2018 ||Under the final rule , short-term, limited-duration insurance plans can be issued for up to 12 months, with a maximum duration of 36 months after renewals and extensions.
view more »CMS To Host Aug. 15 Forum on Opioids
Aug. 6, 2018 ||The special open-door forum aims to educate prescribers on federal resources and strategies to combat the opioid epidemic.
view more »What comes next after the June 29 court ruling that vacated the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approval of a Section 1115 waiver that allowed Kentucky to impose community engagement and work requirements on Medicaid beneficiaries.
view more »Court Rejects Kentucky Medicaid Waiver
July 5, 2018 ||The decision strikes down the state's overall Section 1115 waiver, which included community engagement and work requirements, but it upholds as a separate waiver a portion allowing Medicaid reimbursement for substance use disorder treatment in institutions for mental disease.
view more »HHS Announces Disaster Response Funding Opportunity
June 18, 2018 ||The Partnership For Disaster Health Response grant offers $6 million for two partnerships to improve disaster readiness and response across the delivery system.
view more »On the Hill: House Aims to Pass Opioid Package By July Fourth
June 4, 2018 ||Lawmakers previously aimed to pass an opioid package by Memorial Day; Committee hearings focus on the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the president's blueprint to lower drug prices.
view more »President Unveils Blueprint to Lower Drug Prices
May 15, 2018 ||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.
view more »CMS Announces First Rural Health Strategy
May 14, 2018 ||The interagency effort targets obstacles to health care, including a fragmented delivery system and lack of specialty service access, faced by many rural communities.
view more »New Guidance on Substance Use Disorder Confidentiality
May 7, 2018 ||Two new fact sheets clarify the application of privacy regulations under 42 CFR Part 2, a longstanding rule dictating how to share patient data related to substance use disorder.
view more »HHS Releases Parity Action Plan
May 1, 2018 ||The plan is required by the 21st Century Cures Act and is meant to improve federal and state coordination around the enforcement of parity laws.
view more »On the Hill: Hearings Focus on Opioid Crisis
April 10, 2018 ||The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold hearings this week on measures to combat the opioid epidemic.
view more »On the Hill: Congress Passes Omnibus Spending Package
March 27, 2018 ||The final package, passed last week, included $4 billion for combating the opioid crisis and a $10 billion increase in HHS funding, but left out measures to stabilize the insurance marketplace.
view more »NQF Publishes Quality Measure Final Recommendations
Feb. 23, 2018 ||The Measure Applications Partnership Hospital Workgroup recommended greater alignment of measures across programs and proposed criteria for measure removal.
view more »On the Hill: Marketplace Stabilization, Hospital Nonprofit Status
Feb. 20, 2018 ||Republicans from both chambers work on a marketplace stabilization package; Senate Finance Committee Republicans plan to review the Internal Revenue Service's process for designating nonprofit hospitals.
view more »On the Hill: Administration Releases FY 2019 Budget Plan
Feb. 13, 2018 ||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.
view more »NQF Submits Quality Measure Recommendations
Feb. 5, 2018 ||The Measure Applications Partnership submitted recommendations to the Department of Health and Human Services on 35 performance measures under consideration for use in federal health care programs.
view more »On the Hill: Funding the Government Past Feb. 8
Jan. 29, 2018 ||The association continues to work with congressional leadership and staff to ensure a delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts is included in the next funding measure; Senate confirms new Health and Human Services Secretary.
view more »FDA Extends IV Fluid Expiration Dates
Jan. 26, 2018 ||The agency is combatting an intravenous fluid (IV) shortage as Puerto Rico, where many IV solutions are produced, recovers from Hurricane Maria.
view more »HHS Renews Public Health Emergency Declaration on Opioids
Jan. 26, 2018 ||The designation allows federal health agencies to allocate resources and hire specialists to combat the opioid crisis. The original declaration was set to expire on Jan. 23.
view more »FDA Combats IV Fluid Shortage
Jan. 22, 2018 ||The shortage is due to the effects of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico, where much IV fluid is produced, and has been exacerbated by the severity of this year’s flu season.
view more »On the Hill: Association Seeks DSH Cuts Delay in Funding Bill
Jan. 8, 2018 ||The association launched an advocacy and media campaign calling on Congress to delay Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts as part of a long-term government funding measure.
view more »HHS Warns of New Processor Vulnerabilities
Jan. 8, 2018 ||Researchers discovered two techniques, known as Meltdown and Spectre, that can circumvent data protections and potentially expose data on many computers purchased over the past decade.
view more »Commission on Opioid Crisis Issues Final Report
Nov. 3, 2017 ||The commission supports a national curriculum for opioid prescribers and state waivers to eliminate the Medicaid institutions for mental disease exclusion, among other recommendations.
view more »Federal Agencies Offer Hurricane Resources, Guidance
Sept. 8, 2017 ||The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other federal agencies have released several resources to help health care providers prepare for and respond to disasters.
view more »HHS Launches Emergency Preparedness Resources Site
Aug. 28, 2017 ||The new webpage was launched by HHS' Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; a webinar highlighting the resources will be held Sept. 14.
view more »CMS Approves Extension of Florida Medicaid Waiver
Aug. 4, 2017 ||The decision extends by five years the state's demonstration of a capitated Medicaid managed care program and a low-income pool to provide support for the safety net.
view more »HHS Warns of New Ransomware Strain
June 30, 2017 ||A new strain of ransomware, known as Petya, could affect the health care sector and is unique because the virus is capable of self-replication.
view more »HHS Issues Alert on Microsoft Cyber Vulnerabilities
June 26, 2017 ||Two new reports warn about the same vulnerabilities that allowed the WannaCry virus to spread worldwide earlier this year.
view more »HHS Releases Cybersecurity Resources for HIPAA-Covered Entities
June 16, 2017 ||The resources, designed for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-covered entities or their associates, include a checklist and infographic.
view more »Health Care Industry Task Force Releases Cybersecurity Report
June 9, 2017 ||The Health Care Industry Cybersecurity Task Force outlines resources and the importance of cybersecurity to patient safety and continuity of operations.
view more »On the Hill: Senate Continues Work on ACA Repeal Bill
June 6, 2017 ||Senate Republican leadership recently indicated the possibility of a vote by the end of July, before the month-long August recess.
view more »HHS To Award More Than $70M To Combat Opioid Crisis
June 5, 2017 ||The funds aim to increase the use of medication-assisted treatment, train first responders, and increase access to overdose reversal medications.
view more »HHS Issues Updated Guidance on Ransomware
May 22, 2017 ||The updates include guidance on reporting ransomware and note how Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance can protect from an attack.
view more »HHS Shares IT Security Resources Amid Ransomware Attacks
May 15, 2017 ||Ransomware, a type of malware that infects computers and restricts access to files until a ransom is paid, has hit health care organizations in the United Kingdom.
view more »HHS Supports Development of New Zika Diagnostic Test
April 17, 2017 ||The test detects antibodies produced as part of the body's immune response to the Zika virus and is expected to produce initial results within 58 minutes.
view more »The policy team at America's Essential Hospitals discussed the regulatory outlook for the next year, including key policy issues on the horizon.
view more »NQF Releases Quality Measure Final Recommendations
March 27, 2017 ||Of particular note, NQF's Measure Applications Partnership acknowledged the need for more research to understand the role of socioeconomic status in health.
view more »Price, Verma Outline Medicaid Priorities
March 17, 2017 ||The letter affirms their desire to improve the Medicaid program and the vulnerable people it serves and to ensure the program provides value to taxpayers.
view more »Trump Budget Plan Cuts HHS Funding by $15B
March 16, 2017 ||The blueprint also shifts CDC funding to a $500 million block grant and creates a Federal Emergency Response Fund for public health outbreaks, like Zika.
view more »Statement on Administration’s FY 2018 Budget Proposal
March 16, 2017 ||America's Essential Hospitals says the cumulative effect of the proposal and the American Health Care Act could be to undermine the ability of essential hospitals to meet their commitment to patients and communities.
view more »HHS Letter to States Encourages Section 1332 Waivers
March 14, 2017 ||The letter encourages states to pursue Section 1332 State Innovation Waivers, especially those including high-risk pool/state-operated reinsurance programs.
view more »A leaked House GOP plan to repeal & replace the ACA raises concerns for essential hospitals. A Senate committee considered nominee Seema Verma to lead CMS.
view more »On the Hill: HHS Confirmations, ACA Repeal
Feb. 13, 2017 ||Former Rep. Tom Price was confirmed as secretary of HHS; the Senate Committee on Finance will consider the nomination of Seema Verma as CMS administrator.
view more »Statement on Confirmation of Health and Human Services Secretary
Feb. 10, 2017 ||America's Essential Hospitals tells the newly confirmed Secretary Price that it looks forward to working with him to ensure essential hospitals can sustain their commitment to vulnerable patients and underserved communities.
view more »NQF Releases Quality Measure Recommendations
Feb. 7, 2017 ||NQF's Measure Applications Partnership submitted recommendations to HHS on 74 performance measures under consideration for 16 federal health care programs.
view more »On the Hill: ACA Repeal Confusion Continues
Jan. 31, 2017 ||No agreements have been reached about a repeal/replacement plan for the ACA and it appears Republicans in both chambers are far from making final decisions.
view more »On the Hill: Price Hearings Continue, Individual Mandate Reviewed
Jan. 24, 2017 ||The second confirmation hearing was held for Rep. Price as HHS secretary and a House subcommittee held a hearing on the individual mandate's effectiveness.
view more »A memo instructs all executive departments and agencies to temporarily halt pending regulations until incoming department or agency heads can review them.
view more »On the Hill: ACA Repeal, Price Confirmation Hearings
Jan. 18, 2017 ||With House and Senate passage of budget resolutions, efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act now move to committees and toward a Jan. 27 deadline for repeal legislation.
view more »HRSA Finalizes Rule on 340B Overcharges, Ceiling Prices
Jan. 10, 2017 ||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.
view more »OIG: Costly Drugs Driving Increased Medicare Part D Spending
Jan. 10, 2017 ||OIG found that the federal portion of spending on catastrophic coverage reached $33.2 billion in 2015, compared with $10.8 billion in 2010.
view more »New Report Shows Drop in Hospital-Acquired Conditions Since 2010
Dec. 20, 2016 ||The data show about 125,000 fewer patients died because of hospital-acquired conditions from 2010 to 2015, resulting in a savings of $28 billion.
view more »OIG Gives Safe Harbor for Transportation Arrangements
Dec. 12, 2016 ||Under the rule, OIG provides safe harbor protections for hospital agreements that provide no-cost or discounted local transportation to established patients
view more »Senate Bill Gives Boost to Telehealth Model
Dec. 6, 2016 ||The bill is a step toward expanding Project ECHO, an innovative “hub and spoke” education model created at association member University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center.
view more »Trump Announces HHS, CMS Nominations
Nov. 29, 2016 ||Rep. Tom Price has been nominated to head HHS and Seema Verma, who graduated from the association's Fellows Program in 2001, has been nominated to lead CMS.
view more »Statement on Health and Human Services Nominations
Nov. 29, 2016 ||America’s Essential Hospitals is pleased President-Elect Trump has made health care experience a priority in his choices for Secretary of Health and Human Services and administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
view more »Change Will Allow NPs, PAs to Prescribe Buprenorphine
Nov. 19, 2016 ||Starting in 2017, nurse practitioners and physician assistants can train to prescribe buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
view more »Open Enrollment Kicks Off for ACA Marketplaces
Nov. 1, 2016 ||The open enrollment period runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31, 2017. Consumers must enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage that begins Jan. 1, 2017.
view more »HHS Updates Targets for Reducing Health Care-Associated Infections
Oct. 25, 2016 ||The targets aim to significantly reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections, MRSA, Clostridium difficile cases, and other infections by 2020.
view more »How will the election impact the future of health care policy?
view more »HHS Awards $350K To Improve Cybersecurity
Oct. 12, 2016 ||The National Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center received the funding to educate health care sector stakeholders, partners on cybersecurity.
view more »New Reporting Requirements for Opioid Use Treatment
Oct. 4, 2016 ||Providers approved for a patient limit increase must report on caseload, patients referred to behavioral health care, and their diversion control plan.
view more »ONC Releases Playbook To Improve Health IT Use
Sept. 27, 2016 ||ONC has released a web-based resource that gives providers comprehensive, easy-to-understand information about applying health information technology.
view more »On the Hill: Congress Closer to Appropriations, Zika Deals
Sept. 14, 2016 ||While details are still being finalized, a continuing resolution to fund the government through early December likely will include funding to combat Zika.
view more »HHS Awards $53M To Combat Opioid Misuse
Aug. 31, 2016 ||The funding is being administered by SAMHSA and CDC as part of HHS' Opioid Initiative, which aims to combat opioid misuse, dependence, and overdose.
view more »HHS Releases HIPAA Guidance on Ransomware
July 20, 2016 ||The new guidance reinforces the importance of compliance with HIPAA to prevent and recover from cyber threats.
view more »HHS Announces New Steps To Combat Opioid Epidemic
July 13, 2016 ||The actions build on the National Pain Strategy, a federally coordinated plan for reducing and better treating chronic pain.
view more »Federal Agencies Release Ransomware Best Practices
June 30, 2016 ||Several health care organizations have been affected by ransomware, a cybersecurity threat in which an attacker holds a network hostage for payment.
view more »HHS Tightens Health Insurance Marketplace Rules
June 21, 2016 ||Individuals must prove they are eligible to sign up for coverage outside of open enrollment. HHS also proposes amending risk adjustment for insurers.
view more »HHS, WHO Release Separate Zika Guidance
June 14, 2016 ||The guidance recommends that hospitals prepare for increased demand for certain types of providers and inform patients about sexual transmission of Zika.
view more »HHS Issues Design Challenge for Simpler Medical Bill
May 11, 2016 ||Two association members are among six sites nationally that will test or implement winning solutions in the HHS “A Bill You Can Understand" challenge.
view more »HHS to Hold Online Forum on LGBT Health
March 30, 2016 ||As part of LGBT Awareness Week, March 28 to April 1, department seeks a public conversation on health issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities.
view more »HHS Issues Updated Guidance for HIPAA Covered Entities
March 30, 2016 ||Updated guidance clarifies that covered entities may use and disclose protected health information for treatment or for quality and other health care operations.
view more »HHS Releases National Chronic Pain Strategy
March 22, 2016 ||Department calls for interagency approach that employs alternative payment models and better communication between patients and providers.
view more »HHS Issues Guidance on Patient Access to Medical Records
March 16, 2016 ||Fact sheet and updated frequently asked questions document detail responsibilities of covered entities and the rights of individuals under HIPAA.
view more »On the Hill: Drug Price Scrutiny, HHS Nominee
Feb. 3, 2016 ||House, Senate panels to examine rising cost of drugs, lack of transparency in the drug price negotiation process, and barriers to generic drug applications.
view more »HHS Announces More Than 120 New Medicare ACOs
Jan. 13, 2016 ||New ACOs are eligible for risk-bearing tracks with increased savings for positive patient outcomes and penalties for negative outcomes. A total of 477 ACOs will care for almost 8.9 million beneficiaries in 2016.
view more »HRSA Seeking Comment on 340B Audit Burden
Dec. 23, 2015 ||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.
view more »HHS Says No Marketplace Qualified Plan Comparable to CHIP
Dec. 9, 2015 ||Out-of-pocket expenses higher in ACA marketplaces and coverage worse for children, especially those with special needs, HHS reports.
view more »Drug Strategy Would Limit Opioid Sources for At-Risk Patients
Nov. 25, 2015 ||Obama administration proposal would add drug utilization review and restriction program to Medicare to fight opioid overuse.
view more »HHS Evaluates Progress Toward Triple Aim
Nov. 9, 2015 ||Report on National Strategy for Quality Improvement in Health Care details progress made toward better care, lower costs, and improved health.
view more »HHS Launches Interactive Opioid Drug Mapping Tool
Nov. 4, 2015 ||Tool gives physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals access to geographic comparisons of opioid prescribing habits and use.
view more »HHS Calls on Stakeholders to Promote Health for Young Adults
Nov. 3, 2015 ||Adolescent Health: Think, Act, Grow campaign targets health promotion for young adults, including access to high-quality, teen-friendly health care.
view more »Statement on Administration’s EHR Interoperability Road Map
Oct. 6, 2015 ||Association supports roadmap's three core commitments, will review draft standards closely in context of vulnerable patients
view more »HHS Announces New Health IT Strategic Plan
Sept. 23, 2015 ||The Federal Health IT Strategic Plan: 2015–2020, aims to improve health IT infrastructure, transform health care delivery, and improve individual and community health.
view more »Participants learned about HRSA's guidance on the 340B Drug Pricing Program and how it will affect their hospital.
view more »Hospital Groups: Make Meaningful Use Provisions Final
Aug. 12, 2015 ||America's Essential Hospitals joins other associations in calling for final action on a 90-day reporting period for 2015, but warns that the delay in a final rule has made other requirements impossible to achieve.
view more »Government Funding for Substance Abuse Treatment
July 29, 2015 ||States may apply for a Section 1115 Medicaid waiver to support innovative care delivery for substance abuse disorder. SAMHSA, HRSA to also offer funding opportunities.
view more »Statement on Appointment of HHS Deputy Secretary
July 10, 2015 ||America's Essential Hospitals applauds choice, calls on Senate to confirm her.
view more »House Releases Draft 2016 Labor-HHS-Education Budget
June 16, 2015 ||A total of $3.3 billion is marked for CMS, which is about $344 million below current funding. The subcommittee will consider the bill tomorrow.
view more »Learn more about the content and tone of recent conversations about DSRIP efforts.
view more »The Supreme Court released its 5-4 decision in Armstrong v. Exceptional Child.
view more »Supreme Court: Providers Can’t Sue States over Medicaid Rates
March 31, 2015 ||Today, the U.S. Supreme Court released its opinion on Armstrong v. Exceptional Child. The court ruled that Medicaid providers cannot sue states for low payment rates and advised on alternative actions.
view more »On the Hill: Hearings on HHS Budget, Preparedness
Feb. 24, 2015 ||Slow week for health care work as Department of Homeland Security funding demands lawmakers' attention
view more »HHS Issues Bulletin on Privacy Rules During Emergencies
Nov. 13, 2014 ||HHS notes that HIPAA patient privacy provisions still apply during public health emergencies, though HHS secretary can waive specified provisions in certain circumstances.
view more »OIG Proposes Exceptions to Anti-Kickback and CMP Rules
Oct. 28, 2014 ||Multiple exceptions are proposed to the fraud and abuse regulations that govern Medicare and Medicaid, including changes to the definition of "remuneration" in the CMP regulations and codification of the gainsharing CMP.
view more »CMS to Award $840 Million for Quality Improvement
Oct. 28, 2014 ||Applications are due by Jan. 6, 2015.
view more »MAP Seeks Comments on Quality Measures Review
July 15, 2014 ||MAP released a draft report reviewing the core set of health care quality measures for adults enrolled in Medicaid and is accepting comments until July 30.
view more »On the Hill: House GOP to Sue President, Energy and Commerce Holds Health Care Hearings, Markups
July 15, 2014 ||House GOP will move forward with a lawsuit against President Obama on the delay of the employer mandate without congressional approval. Energy and Commerce is marking up a variety of bills and holding hearings on the health insurance marketplaces and anthrax.
view more »On the Hill: Burwell Confirmed, VA Care, House Hearings on Subsidies, New Drugs, and Health Care Access
June 10, 2014 ||Congress continues to address delays in care at VA medical centers. The Ways and Means Committee explores income verification for tax credit eligibility under the ACA, and the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee looks at incentives to develop new drugs and devices as well as health care access under the ACA.
view more »On the Hill: Burwell Confirmation, VA Overhaul
June 3, 2014 ||The Senate will vote on HHS secretary nominee Sylvia Mathews Burwell and the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee begins to work on legislation regarding the VA health care system.
view more »Association Supports Sylvia Mathews Burwell for HHS Secretary
June 2, 2014 ||America’s Essential Hospitals urges the Senate to swiftly confirm Sylvia Mathews Burwell as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Burwell’s confirmation is critical to providing a steady hand to lead the department through the rapid changes occurring in health care coverage and delivery.
view more »On the Hill: Recesses, Bill Markup and Mental Illness Briefing, Burwell Hearings and VA Controversy Continue
May 28, 2014 ||The House and Senate vary recesses. Finance Committee approves HHS secretary nominee Sylvia Matthews Burwell. The Senate is expected to vote on her nomination in early June. Congress continues to scrutinize the scandal around several Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals.
view more »The Senate will consider tax extenders legislation. The Senate Finance Committee will hold the current Director of OMB Sylvia Matthews Burwell's confirmation hearing to be the next HHS secretary on Thursday, and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee will investigate the recent allegations of delayed care at VA hospitals.
view more »On the Hill: House Passes Expat ACA Exemption, Reviews Insurance Enrollment, Senate Begins Burwell Hearings
May 6, 2014 ||The expat bill was previously considered but didn't pass due to Democrats fighting against it. The Energy and Commerce Oversight Subcommittee will look at insurance enrollment and the marketplaces from the perspective of insurers. OMB Director Sylvia Burwell will testify before the HELP Committee as she begins her confirmation process to become the next HHS secretary.
view more »On the Hill: Congress Considers Appropriations, Minimum Wage, Expatriate Health Plans, Burwell
April 29, 2014 ||Congress will begin the appropriations process, but not much is expected to be accomplished since it is an election year. Senate Democrats will bring up a bill to increase the minimum wage but expect Republican resistance. The House will reconsider a bill regarding exemption of expatriate health plans under the ACA.
view more »HHS Secretary Sebelius Resigns
April 14, 2014 ||Sebelius announced her resignation April 11, closely following the close of the first open enrollment period for the ACA's health insurance marketplaces. She served as secretary of HHS for five years, leading the agency's efforts to implement the ACA.
view more »OIG and HHS Release FY 2014 Work Plan
Feb. 25, 2014 ||The OIG and HHS FY 2014 work plan includes several Medicare and Medicaid projects. These projects cover the following topics including inpatient admission criteria, E&M payments, IME, and provider taxes.
view more »Shaheen Concerned About Network Adequacy
Jan. 31, 2014 ||Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in a Jan 29 letter to “closely examine the provider network adequacy standards” for qualified health plans sold through health insurance marketplaces (exchanges).
view more »President Obama highlighted early ACA successes, CBO said SGR bills would cost $150.4 billion over 10 years
view more »America’s Essential Hospitals Supports 340B Orphan Drug Rule
Jan. 7, 2014 ||Argues in brief that HRSA interpretation consistent with the language of the ACA
view more »HHS Awards $55.5 Million in Health Care Workforce Funding
Dec. 10, 2013 ||Sixteen association members were among the institutions that received funding.
view more »Quality Measures for Medicaid-Eligible Adults Notice and Comments
Nov. 25, 2013 ||Measures are intended for voluntary use by state Medicaid agencies
view more »Sebelius: Marketplace Plans Are Not Federal Programs
Nov. 20, 2013 ||Decision suggests hospitals may help patients with financial assistance for plan premiums
view more »HHS Releases Marketplace Enrollment Information
Nov. 19, 2013 ||846,184 people completed applications through the marketplaces, 106,185 people selected marketplace plans.
view more »Administration Permits Renewal of Certain Health Plans
Nov. 19, 2013 ||Coverage renewed for between Jan. 1 and Oct. 1, 2014 will not be considered out of compliance
view more »Congress holds healthcare.gov hearings, planned vote on "Keep Your Health Plan" Act
view more »CCIIO Releases New FAQ on Third-party Payments of Premiums for QHPs
Nov. 13, 2013 ||HHS encouraged issuers to reject premium payments from third parties
view more »HHS Clarifies that QHPs Are Not Federal Health Care Programs
Nov. 5, 2013 ||Federal anti-kickback statute, which only applies to federal health care programs, will not apply to QHPs.
view more »Senate Democrats pressured Obama administration to fix healthcare.gov, SGR agreement gained support
view more »On the Hill: Congress continues to investigate healthcare.gov, budget conferees set to meet
Oct. 29, 2013 ||Congress holds healthcare.gov hearings, committee met on budget agreement
view more »CMS Issues Final Rule on Marketplace Subsidies, Oversight
Oct. 29, 2013 ||The rule finalizes a number of provisions regarding health insurance marketplaces
view more »Congress narrowly avoids reaching the debt ceiling, gears up for healthcare.gov hearings
view more »Competition in Marketplaces Cuts Health Insurance Costs
Oct. 16, 2013 ||Analysis evaluated individual plan premiums in the 36 states with a federally facilitated marketplace
view more »Association President and CEO Meets With Senior HHS Officials
Sept. 10, 2013 ||Talk focused on insurance coverage expansion activities and impact on essential hospitals
view more »GAO: Better Consistency in Medicare Payment Review Requirements Could Increase Efficiency
Aug. 27, 2013 ||Report evaluates differences among four types of postpayment review contractors CMS uses
view more »HHS Awards $67 Million to Navigators, Including Association Members
Aug. 20, 2013 ||Grants go to 105 organizations that will serve as navigators in states with federally facilitated exchanges
view more »Association Expresses Concern Over Lack of ECPs in QHP Networks
Aug. 20, 2013 ||Letter urges HHS to place a special emphasis on robust essential community provider participation
view more »Information gathered will inform rulemaking for civil rights provision of the Affordable Care Act
view more »Associations, IT Vendor Call for EHR Meaningful Use Program Delay
July 30, 2013 ||Groups say small and rural providers might not have enough time to implement changes
view more »HHS Releases Navigator Final Rule
July 16, 2013 ||Regulation establishes standards for training and certification, conflict-of-interest, other aspects of program
view more »Administration Awards $150 Million to Health Centers
July 16, 2013 ||Grants to more than 1,000 community health centers support ACA health plan enrollment efforts
view more »HHS Awards New Exchange Grants
July 16, 2013 ||Money distributed among six states: Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia
view more »GAO Releases Study on Exchange Grants
July 2, 2013 ||Found that HHS awarded about $3.8 billion in exchange and rate review grants to states by late March 2013
view more »HHS Announces New Health IT Work Group
April 23, 2013 ||Health IT Policy Committee will use panel's input for national HIT framework
view more »HHS Issues Additional Insurance-Related ACA Regulations
March 7, 2013 ||Rule finalizes HHS proposal to make advance payments that total the value of cost-sharing reductions
view more »HHS Issues Final Essential Health Benefits, Other ACA Rules
March 1, 2013 ||Also releases report that details how rule affects mental health, substance abuse disorder benefits
view more »Deadline to Take Partnership Marketplace Option Passes
Feb. 21, 2013 ||Iowa, New Hampshire, Illinois, Arkansas among states pursing partnerships with federal government
view more »Association Engages with AcademyHealth at Policy Conference
Feb. 8, 2013 ||President and CEO Bruce Siegel moderated sessions on Medicaid, delivery innovations
view more »HHS Offers New Round of Marketplace Establishment Grants
Jan. 24, 2013 ||$1.5 billion in grants to 11 states aim to support affordable health insurance marketplaces
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