The Reed Smith Health Industry Washington Watch blog has been updated to report on recent health policy developments, including the following:

  • Regulatory Developments. CMS has issued a number of proposed and final rules, including regulations addressing the Medicare Shared Savings Program, Medicaid/CHIP managed care, health insurance summary of benefits and coverage and uniform glossary requirements, and CMS oversight of national accrediting organizations, among others. For details. HHS has released its spring 2015 regulatory agenda and is soliciting comments on the use of the health plan identifier in electronic health care transactions.
  • Other CMS Developments. CMS has released updated Medicare drug payment files, guidance on Medicaid/CHIP provider fingerprint-based criminal background checks, Medicare provider payment data, and guidance on beneficiary drug plan disenrollments by long term care facilities. CMS also has announced a new Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Model and policy changes impacting ventilators.
  • OIG & GAO Developments. The OIG has issued a fraud alert on physician compensation arrangements, and the OIG released its latest semiannual report and an update to its work plan. The GAO has issued reports on the Medicare physician payment ratesetting process and Medicaid fraud controls.
  • Legislative Developments. Congressional panels have approved a series of health policy bills, including repeal of ACA medical device tax and the Independent Payment Advisory Board, changes to Medicare Advantage requirements and Medicare long-term care hospital policy, Medicare appeals reforms, and 21st Century Cures legislation. Congress also has been considering changes to Medicare sequestration policy as part of pending trade legislation. Congressional committees have held hearings on various health policy issues.
  • Health Industry Events. Upcoming CMS events will focus on the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care, hospice quality reporting, Hospital Compare ratings, ICD-10 implementation, Medicare clinical laboratory fee schedule payments, and hospital outpatient payments.
  • Changes Coming to Health Industry Washington Watch. Our blog will soon have a new look and provide our readers with enhanced access to content and optimal readability across the wide variety of devices. We will also have a revised email notification system to alert subscribers to new content. If you don't already receive email alerts from our blog, we invite you to subscribe (see "Subscribe" box to the left).

This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.