CDC simplifies vaccine recommendations for all age groups; a new HHS program supports COVID-19 vaccines and treatments for uninsured Americans.

The agency will not enforce a surprise billing requirement that requires good faith estimates to include cost estimates from co-providers and co-facilities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fourth cycle of grants through the Connecting Kids to Coverage program supports work to link eligible children with Medicaid, CHIP coverage; proposals due Jan. 20, 2016.

CBO also found that if a full ACA repeal took effect on Jan. 1, 2016, the federal deficit would increase by $137 billion between 2016 and 2025.

Association filed Jan. 28 amicus brief in Supreme Court case supporting insurance subsidies through federally facilitated health insurance marketplace.

Agency reverts to position recommended by America's Essential Hospitals to define uninsured status at the service level for purposes of calculating DSH payments; sets Dec. 31 as start of new policy

CMS returns to a pre-2008 definition of uninsured that includes whether a patient is covered for a particular service, among other changes.

The survey aims to capture the impact of ACA coverage expansion and add to association advocacy efforts with timely information on members' uncompensated care.

CBO estimated 2016 marketplace premiums will be 15 percent less than they were estimated to be in 2009. This should mean the ACA will cost $104 billion less to the federal government over the next decade than previously projected.

CMS has developed several resources to help hospitals implement presumptive eligibility, including model agreements between the state and hospitals, a model training template for states, a model application for hospitals, and FAQs.

The final rule establishes procedures for enrollment and certification. CMS also released its final methodology for determining federal payments to states establishing a BHP program in 2015.

Nearly 3.3 million people have selected plans through the marketplaces since they opened Oct. 1, 2013. This number represents 45 percent of the 7.3 million people who were eligible to enroll in a marketplace plan. In addition, 3.2 million people who submitted applications through the marketplaces were determined to be eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

A Jan.23 Gallup survey found that the percentage of uninsured adults nationally dropped 1.2 percentage points in January, from 17.3 percent in December to 16.1 percent in January. Gallup said the percentage of uninsured adults for January is “slightly lower than what Gallup has measured in any month since December 2012.”

Guides can help providers troubleshoot enrollment problems

America’s Essential Hospitals submitted comments Nov. 25 on the Basic Health Program proposed rule.

HHS encouraged issuers to reject premium payments from third parties

Providers that fill a safety net role will be stretched thin in states that do not expand Medicaid

Estimates 5.2 million uninsured fall into coverage gap

Essential hospitals to play important role with experience caring for the uninsured

Proposed rule establishes framework for several program elements

Association summary of rules, guidance