Chiquita Brooks-LaSure Confirmed as Next CMS Administrator
Chiquita Brooks-LaSure was confirmed by the Senate as the next CMS Administrator, making her the first Black woman to lead the agency.
HHS Dedicates $4.8B to COVID-19 Testing Reimbursement for Uninsured Individuals
Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced an additional $50 million in advertising to enhance the Special Enrollment Period outreach campaign.
Next Generation ACO Model Will Not Be Extended
The Next Generation ACO Model will come to an end on Dec. 31, 2021, as planned after CMS found no net savings to Medicare during the model’s run.
Iowa’s Health Link Drops the Ball
Iowa’s IA Health Link launch left both providers and consumers frustrated by putting their budget before the quality of care. We analyze the missteps they took after setting unrealistic timelines for the work that needed to be done. Their MLTSS program continues to serve as a learning tool for other state’s roll outs.
Primary Care First Model Application Deadline is May 21st
CMS reminds that the deadline to submit a practice application for the Primary Care First Model Cohort 2 is May 21, 2021
Implementing 10-Step Program to Improve Reduce Low-Value Care
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds names Elizabeth Matney as the new Director of Iowa’s Medicaid program.
CMS Releases eCQM Specifications and eCQM Materials for 2022
CMS posted the eCQM specifications for the 2022 reporting period for eligible hospitals and CAHs, and the 2022 performance period for eligible professionals and eligible clinicians.
New CMS Provision Lowers Maximum Out of Pocket Costs
The National Institutes of Health is funding $29 million in additional grants for the NIH Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) Against COVID-19 Disparities.
NIH Investing $29M to Address COVID-19 Disparities
The National Institutes of Health is funding $29 million in additional grants for the NIH Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) Against COVID-19 Disparities.
CMS Issues Proposed Rule for Inpatient and Long-Term Care Hospitals in Rural and Underserved
The 2019 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey’s (MCBS) preliminary report was released with data on quality of care, access to care, and cost of care, among other topics.