From the CMS Fact Sheet: CMS is working in partnership with providers to develop models of bundling payments through the Bundled Payments initiative. On August 23, 2011, CMS invited providers to apply to help test and develop four different models of bundling payments. Through the Bundled Payments initiative, providers have great flexibility in selecting conditions […]
From the CMS Press Release: Program To Purchase Durable Medical Equipment Beginning Second Phase CMS announced the next steps for a major expansion of a competitive bidding program that helps lower costs for quality durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies. The competitive bidding program uses competitions between suppliers to set new, lower payment rates […]
From the OCR Press Release: Grants Will Create Jobs and Improve Quality of Care, Public Health The grants will fund key State and local public health programs supported through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of the grants awarded, $35.8 million in Prevention and Public Health Fund dollars and $3.8 million in additional […]
From the CMS Press Release: Tax Credits To Help Millions Of Middle-Class Families Affordable Insurance Exchanges are expected to be one-stop marketplaces where consumers can choose a private health insurance plan that fits their health needs and have the same kind of insurance choices as members of Congress. Among other policies, the proposed rules describe […]
From the CMS Press Release: Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Demonstration Program CMS announced a new Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Demonstration designed to provide states with more flexibility and resources to care for Medicaid beneficiaries with mental illnesses. This demonstration provides up to $75 million in funding to states over three years, as authorized by the Affordable Care […]
From the HHS Press Release: All Participating Practices To Continue In 2-Year PGP Transition Demonstration CMS announced results from the initial Physician Group Practice (PGP) Demonstration, a landmark partnership with physician group practices that aims to better coordinate care across different settings, leading to improved quality and cost savings. After five years, this demonstration has shown […]
From the HHS Press Release: Efforts Give Consumers Information To Inform Their Care The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new tool for patients and caregivers and other enhanced initiatives today to empower consumers to make informed choices about their health care, and to help improve the quality of care in America’s […]
From the HHS Press Release: Final Rule Strengthens Tie Between Payment and Quality Improvement The final rule updates payment policies and rates for acute care hospitals paid under the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS), as well as hospitals paid under the Long Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System (LTCH PPS). The final rule also strengthens the […]
From the HHS Press Release: CMS took steps to encourage the creation of Consumer Operated and Oriented Plans (CO-OPs), new private non-profit, consumer-governed health insurance plans that will help increase competition and give consumers and small businesses additional affordable health insurance choices. CMS is proposing standards for CO-OPs, and for qualifying for $3.8 billion in […]