The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) currently provides a summary of news from within the agency.
CMS releases improper payment data for all programs for fiscal year 2024
November 15: In keeping with its commitment to the responsible management of public funds and promoting program sustainability, CMS updates the fiscal year 2024 improprieties for Medicare (fee-for-service, Part C and Part D), Medicaid, and pediatric health care. announced payment data. Prepayment of premium tax credits for insurance programs and federally promoted health insurance exchanges. Although reporting improper payments is designed to protect the integrity of CMS programs, not all improper payments are the result of fraud or fraudulent activity. This could be an overpayment, an underpayment, or a payment for which insufficient information was provided to determine whether the payment is appropriate. Information can be found here fact sheet and in that 2024 HHS Agency Financial Report.
CMS infographic highlights internet access and usage by Medicare enrollees
November 15: In honor of National Rural Health Day, CMS infographic Information on Internet access and usage among Medicare enrollees is highlighted by metropolitan area residency status. CMS also releases updated version data 2023 Data and Annual Data Update on Internet Access and Usage Among Medicare Enrollees Sociodemographic and health characteristics Percentage of Medicare enrollees by residential status in metropolitan areas. Data for 2022.
CMS updates guidance for nursing home inspectors to strengthen quality of nursing home care
November 18th: CMS release Revised guidance For nursing home inspectors. The revised guidance includes procedures for admitting, transferring, and discharging residents, preventing the unnecessary use of psychotropic and chemical restraints, compliance with the use of salary-based journals in reporting nursing staffing, and definitions. Contains updates in several areas, including: Pain levels and pain management and other topics. These revisions are intended to ensure that the guidance is consistent with current standards of practice and reflects the evolving needs of the population.
CMS Updates Status on Medicaid Coverage of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Provisions
November 19: CMS issues state Medicaid director letter Expanding Medicaid coverage for treatment services for substance use disorders, making permanent mandatory Medicaid benefits for drug treatment assistance for opioid use disorders, and medical care for certain individuals who are patients in eligible inpatient facilities (commonly known as inpatient facilities) Work to provide assistance. (“IMD”), Medicaid benefits are generally not otherwise covered.
CMS offers Medicare-funded admission slots for hospitals in underserved areas
November 21st: CMS released Graduate Medical Education (GME) Residency Slot Award This is the third round of 1,000 Medicare-funded medical training positions provided under Section 126 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (CAA), with no more than 200 positions per year beginning in fiscal year 2023. will be introduced in stages. CAA. The law requires the third round of 200 training spots to be announced by January 31, 2025, with effect from July 1, 2025. In the third round, 206 hospitals applied for 200 vacancies. Slots will be awarded to 109 hospitals using Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) prioritization and other criteria. You can find additional information about the program here.
CMS hosts virtual conference on optimizing healthcare delivery to improve patient lives
November 21: CMS posted. agenda Toward the 2024 Conference on Optimizing Healthcare Delivery to Improve Patient Lives, to be held on December 12, 2024. This virtual conference will explore innovative ideas, lessons learned, and best practices that enhance patient care delivery and access to quality care. Reduce administrative burden impacting patients and healthcare professionals. Registration is still open and information about the conference can be found here here.
CMS publishes list of 2024 measures it is considering implementing through Medicare rulemaking
November 25, 2024: As required by law, CMS 2024 Measures Under Consideration (MUC) List. Of the 41 measures listed, 100% use digital data sources; CMS National Quality Strategy A goal to prioritize the development of interoperable digital quality measures. Furthermore, 37% of measures address person-centred care, aiming to improve the health, well-being and overall care experience of the people we serve. CMS will make these measures available to the public for comment. You can see information about the process, such as deadlines. here.
Other recent releases:
November 22nd: More than 496,000 new consumers choose affordable health insurance through the ACA Marketplace
November 26th: Biden-Harris administration releases Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug proposals aimed at improving care and access for enrollees
November 26th: Biden-Harris administration completes new model to improve access to kidney transplants
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CMS, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, serves the nation as a trusted partner and steward and is dedicated to advancing health equity, expanding coverage, and improving health outcomes. The agency protects the public health by administering the Medicare program and working with state governments to manage Medicaid, CHIP, and health insurance markets.
