Category: CMS

House Republicans move forward on replacing Medicare’s payment system for doctors with an eye on moving the measure this summer. In the meantime, a Republican readies an Obamacare replacement bill. original article source From: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130606/GOP-eyes-Medicare-doc-fix-bill-for-summer-Obamacare-replacement.aspx

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have asked CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner to delay the second-round implementation of Medicare’s Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) competitive bidding program, scheduled… original article source From: http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20130606/NEWS/306069947

As of the end of April, more than $14.6 billion in EHR Incentive Program payments have been paid out by the federal government to eligible providers and hospitals in the program, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As of the end of April, more than $14.6…

A major foundation wants software developers to invent tools to help consumers and others better understand Medicare data comparing hospital prices. original article source From: http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20130606/NEWS/306069954

The House of Representatives adopted an omnibus bill Tuesday to implement numerous social service policy changes in the next state budget, including the end of a health coverage program launched by former Gov. M. Jodi Rell to help the uninsured. One thing it doesn’t change: Medicaid eligibility for low-income parents. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy had…

Leaders in the states that have decided against expanding (Medicaid) have often invoked Reagan conservatism as the reason to oppose extending Medicaid health care coverage to more people. After all, doesn’t (Ronald) Reagan embody modern conservatism? He cut taxes, cut government red tape and fought the growth of entitlements. Yes, he did all those things.…

GOP staff of the House Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means committees released a framework for repealing Medicare’s sustainable growth rate formula. One House Democrat said the approach wasn’t strong enough. original article source From: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130606/Doc-fix-momentum-builds-among-House-Republicans.aspx

Health care professionals — doctors, hospitals and unionized health care workers — protested planned cuts to California’s Medicaid system — Medi-Cal– at the state capitol on Tuesday. They say the governor’s proposed budget could shutter a medical center and force doctors to stop taking patients on the program. original article source From: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130606/Docs-hospitals-unions-unite-to-protest-Calif-planned-Medicaid-cut.aspx

The RAND Corp. study looks at 14 states refusing to expand the federal-state program for the poor under the health law and concludes their share of the costs would be lower than providing uncompensated care to uninsured residents. original article source From: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130605/Medicaid-expansion-a-good-deal-for-states-study-finds.aspx

The average charges for 30 hospital outpatient procedures show big hospital-to-hospital variation in terms of how much the facilities bill patients for the same service. original article source From: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130605/HHS-unveils-Medicare-claims-data-detailing-hospital-price-information-for-outpatient-treatment.aspx