Category: Current Affairs

Policy Update: Final Rule on Medicare Beneficiaries’ Appeal Rights for Certain Changes in Patient Status

October 17, 2024

Policy Update: Final Rule on Medicare Beneficiaries’ Appeal Rights for Certain Changes in Patient Status

In response to a court order, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized appeals processes for certain Medicare beneficiaries who are initially admitted as hospital inpatients but are subsequently reclassified as outpatients receiving observation services during their hospital stay, along with other eligibility criteria.

This final rule establishes processes for

  • Standardized appeals,
  • Expedited appeals,
  • and retrospective appeals for beneficiaries.

It also extends the timeframe for providers to submit a claim following a favorable decision and to submit records as requested by a contractor.

While CMS estimates a relatively low number of appeals that meet these criteria, they acknowledge that there will be administrative costs for hospitals to accommodate the new appeals process.

This final rule is effective October 11, 2024.

Click Here to Read Full Details

HRSA Announces Major Investment to Integrate Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services into Primary Care

October 17, 2024

HRSA Announces Major Investment to Integrate Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services into Primary Care

On September 19, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced $240 million in awards to launch and expand mental health and substance use disorder services in more than 400 HRSA-funded community health centers that provide care for more than 10 million people across the country.

HRSA-funded health centers are a primary source of care for people who are uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicaid, making them well-positioned to respond to the urgent need for high-quality behavioral health services that are stigma-free, culturally competent, and readily accessible.

The grants will help expand access to needed care to help tackle the nation’s behavioral health and opioid crises.

Click Here to Read More

NRHA Accepting Health Equity Council Applications

October 11, 2024

NRHA Accepting Health Equity Council Applications

The National Rural Health Association’s (NRHA’s) Health Equity Council is currently seeking applications through November 14 for individuals interested in serving on the council board, which highlights issues related to rural, underserved, and often under-represented populations.

NRHA’s Health Equity Council and Conference highlight issues often faced by LGBTQIA+, veteran, and homeless rural residents as well as multiracial and multicultural members of rural communities.

NRHA encourages applications from members of all races, religions, national origins, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and ages, as well as veterans and individuals with disabilities for open positions beginning January 1, 2024

Click Here to Apply

Emerging Issue: Increased Oropouche Virus Activity

September 30, 2024

Emerging Issue: Increased Oropouche Virus Activity

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Health Alert Network Health Advisory and released a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report about Oropouche virus.

This virus is spread to humans by infected biting midges and some mosquito species. Parts of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean are experiencing an increase in infections.

The health advisory advises evaluating and testing travelers who have been in these impacted areas and who show signs and symptoms consistent with Oropouche virus infection. The advisory raises awareness of the possible risk of transmission during pregnancy to the fetus and of associated adverse effects on pregnancy. It also highlights prevention measures to reduce spread of the virus.

Click Here to read Health Alert

Click Here to read Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Annual Time Burden on CAHs for New Medicare Data Collection – Comment by October 7

August 19, 2024

Annual Time Burden on CAHs for New Medicare Data Collection – Comment by October 7

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requests public input on the annual hourly burden for Critical Access Hospitals to collect and report data on obstetrical services, as proposed in the Outpatient Prospective Payment System Rule, and on acute respiratory illnesses, as finalized in the Inpatient Prospective Payment System Rule.

The new Conditions of Participation (CoPs) in these rules include multiple information collection requirements that are one-time burdens for developing new policies, protocols and ongoing reporting requirements, such as daily or biweekly reporting of respiratory illnesses as well as maternal deaths.

More information can be found HERE in the rules and in the information collection supporting documentation.

Comments must be made by October 7, 2024

See Outpatient Prospective Payment System Rule

See Inpatient Prospective Payment System Rule

Click Here to submit a formal comment

FREE 60 Minute Live Webinar – Introduction to Medicare Cost Report Compliance, September 10

August 12, 2024

FREE 60 Minute Live Webinar – Introduction to Medicare Cost Report Compliance, September 10

This introduction to the Medicare Cost Report Webinar will touch on the following topics:

  • What providers are required to file a Medicare cost report and what forms to use
  • What are the cost reporting due dates
  • Compliance related to the cost report
  • Q&A

This webinar has been approved for 1 continuing education unit by the American Institute of Healthcare Compliance for AIHC Certified Professionals.

Cost:  FREE

Click Here to Register Now

Rural Medical Center to End ‘Facility Fee’ for Obstetrics

August 12, 2024

Rural Medical Center to End ‘Facility Fee’ for Obstetrics

With anticipated additional state funding specifically for obstetric and neonatal services, Meadville Medical Center in Pennsylvania will drop facility fees for OB patients.

Recent passage of the state budget means an estimated $39 mission will be invested in rural hospitals, with a $7 million increase in Medicaid supplemental payments.

Click Here to find out how maternal health deserts in rural Kansas and across the country lead to hardships for mothers, communities, and providers.

DHSS Requests Public Comment on Missouri WIC State Plan for Upcoming Year

July 25, 2024

DHSS Requests Public Comment on Missouri WIC State Plan for Upcoming Year

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is soliciting public comment on the proposed Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025 State Plan, which covers the period of October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025.

The State Plan describes the state agency’s objectives and procedures for all aspects of WIC program administration for the 2025 FFY.

Comment Submission:

All public comments are welcome and should be directed to:

  • WICinfo@health.mo.gov, or
  • Fax to 573 526-1470, or
  • Mail to Angie Oesterly
    • WIC and Nutrition Services
    • PO Box 570
    • 930 Wildwood Dr.
    • Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570

All comments should be submitted by August 12, 2024. Comments will be included in the final copy of the plan, which must be submitted to the United State Department of Agriculture by August 15, 2024.

Click Here to access the State Plan

Hepatitis C Testing Event – Monday, July 29

July 24, 2024

Hepatitis C Testing Event – Monday, July 29

Hepatitis C affects over 2.4 million adults in the United States. Most people living with the disease are not aware of their status because often Hepatitis C does not have any symptoms.

Hepatitis C can result in cirrhosis and liver cancer, as well as transmission to others. However, Hepatitis C is curable.

As a part of Missouri’s Project Hep Cure and Elimination plan, the State aims to eliminate Hepatitis C by making universal testing accessible and prevent new infections while increasing dignity and reducing stigma.

In celebration of World Hepatitis Testing Day, the free testing event will offer the following:

  • Screening and free rapid finger-stick Hepatitis C point of care tests, with results in 20 minutes
  • Educational materials on Hepatitis B and C
  • Referral and linkage to care to treating physicians
  • Risk reduction materials

Cost:  Free

When: Monday, July 29, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Where:

Missouri River Regional Library Art Galley East

214 Adams St

Jefferson City

CMS Publishes Annual Proposed Rules with Significant RHC Provision

July 23, 2024

CMS Publishes Annual Proposed Rules with Significant RHC Provision

On July 10, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Proposed Rule.

This annual rule provides regulatory updates to the fee schedule and contains a significant section specifically for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs).

The National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC) will be analyzing all the RHC and related provisions and providing a full summary over the next few weeks and will later submit comments on behalf of the RHC community. If finalized, these changes would go into effect January 1, 2025.

For a brief overview of what this proposed rule means for RHCs click Here.