On August 2, 2013, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2014 IPPS Final Rule. In the final rule, CMS made a few revisions from the proposed rule related to the Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) calculation
The Texas Nursing Home Upper Payment Limit (UPL) could result in significant financial benefits for nursing home operators and many Texas governmental hospitals. Here is an update on the program’s status and key action steps. In October 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved a Texas State Plan Amendment allowing for a nursing home Intergovernmental Transfer (IGT)/UPL program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2014 IPPS Proposed Rule on April 26, 2013, proposing several payment revisions as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
The U.S. Supreme Court recently decided to uphold virtually all of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as it was enacted. First and foremost, all Medicare-related provisions are left intact, so all payment cuts to providers that have already been implemented will remain
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) introduced various ways to strengthen primary care by improving care coordination, making it easier for clinicians to work together and helping clinicians spend more time with their patients. One such program is the Comprehensive Primary Care (CPC) initiative.
The 2012 Mississippi legislative session was closely watched as Gov. Phil Bryant and Lt.
Under the Social Security Act , Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments to hospitals cannot exceed the uncompensated cost of providing inpatient and outpatient hospital services to Medicaid-eligible and uninsured individuals. The 2008 DSH final rule required state reports and audits to ensure the appropriate use of DSH payments and compliance with the DSH limit imposed at Section 1923(g) of the Social Security Act .
Recent changes to Medicare Part A mean skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and their therapists must remain vigilant to make sure therapy services are provided consistently. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services clarified an End of Therapy Other Medicaid Required Assessment (OMRA) must be completed for Medicare Part A patients who miss three consecutive days of therapy services, using an assessment reference date (ARD) of the first, second or third day after the last therapy treatment. The approaching holidays may create difficulties delivering therapy services on a regular schedule as therapy staff take time off or skilled residents spend extra time with family.
On October 5, 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued its work plan for 2012, which outlines specific focus areas for the OIG next year.