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Rural Health
News by Topic: Health insurance

Apr 16, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) seeking comments on revisions to an information collection titled "Reform of Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities." The information collected will be used by CMS, state survey agencies, and long-term care (LTC) facilities to ensure compliance with Medicare and Medicaid requirements and quality of care provided to LTC residents. Revisions include new requirements proposed at 42 CFR 483.35 and new section 483.71, which were discussed in the September 6, 2023, proposed rule on page 61391. Comments are due by June 17, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 16, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announces a virtual public meeting on June 25, 2024, to receive recommendations and comments regarding payment amounts for new or substantially revised test codes Medicare is considering under the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) for calendar year 2025. Written comments are due by May 30, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 15, 2024 - Announcement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the approval of the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) as a national accrediting organization providing home infusion therapy services that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. The approval is effective April 23, 2024, through April 23, 2030.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 15, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) setting parameters for risk adjustment and user fees for state and federal-based exchanges for 2025. This rule also addresses requirements related to the auto re-enrollment hierarchy, essential health benefits, the Insurance Affordability Program enrollment eligibility verification process, network adequacy, prescription drug benefits, and more. These regulations are effective June 4, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 12, 2024 - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is seeking comments on the following information collections: 1) Transitional Coverage and Retroactive Medicare Part D Coverage for Certain Low-Income Beneficiaries through the Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition (LI NET) Program; and 2) Appointment of Representative and Supporting Regulations in 42 CFR 405.910, which says that an individual or entity may appoint a representative to act of their behalf when exercising their rights for claim determinations and appeals. Comments are due June 11, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 11, 2024 - Notice from the Department of Defense (DOD) Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) announcing adjustments to the reimbursement and provider qualifications for childbirth support services under the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD). The second phase of CBSD will include a new reimbursement methodology, new doula-specific codes, increased flexibility for antepartum and postpartum visits, and a new requirement for certified labor doulas (CLDs) to be participating providers. DHA also announces the National Black Doula Association (NBDA) as a certification body for CLDs and the certification requirement for doulas practicing in a state with an active state-wide doula Medicaid benefit will be waived when that doula is actively enrolled in that state Medicaid program. Phase 2 will be fully implemented by January 1, 2025, with a transition period beginning June 10, 2024. The modifications to the certified labor doulas (CLD) certification requirement are effective April 11, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 11, 2024 - Pre-publication notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding changes to the hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) for operating and capital-related costs of acute care hospitals for fiscal year 2025. Contains details of proposed changes impacting Medicare graduate medical education (GME) for teaching hospitals and payment policies and the annual payment rates for the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for inpatient hospital services provided by long-term care hospitals, among other things. Comments are due by June 10, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 10, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) making technical corrections to the August 7, 2023, final rule. This notice is effective April 10, 2024, and is applicable October 1, 2023.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 10, 2024 - Highlights the work of promotoras in rural Northern California including assisting eligible residents with enrolling in Medicaid. Discusses the impact of Health Provider Shortage Areas (HPSAs) on healthcare access, policy, and insurance access for undocumented farmworkers.
Source: Ethnic Media Services
Apr 10, 2024 - Discusses the need for mental health services in schools and how states around the country have used Medicaid reimbursement to fund those services. Notes recent policy changes that have made this possible and highlights challenges that remain in using Medicaid reimbursement, particularly for rural school districts.
Source: The Commonwealth Fund