The bulletin advises that arrangements among providers to redistribute Medicaid payments violate the hold harmless provisions of the law.

Report says funding approaches lack adequate oversight; CMS counters with review of existing safeguards and effect of economic downturn.

The guidance could subject certain assessments on Medicaid managed care organizations to provider tax rules. CMS will allow a state until the end of its next regular legislative session to make changes that comply with the guidance.

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.

Legislation did not cut Medicaid provider taxes, Medicare E&M, but targeted hospitals in other ways

Senate passed legislation by a vote of 89-9, sent for vote in the House of Representatives