By Susan Sumrell

We wanted to share some comments that we recently submitted on several CMS proposed rules and let you know what we’ll be working on in the upcoming weeks.

First, we commented on CMS’ proposed rule on new influenza vaccination standards for certain providers, including health centers. These new standards would require health centers to offer an influenza vaccination to each of their patients. You can view our comments on that proposed rule here.

Second, we also commented on a CMS proposed rule that would help ensure access to Medicaid covered services. This rule lays out requirements for state plans to assure that “payments are consistent with efficiency, economy, and quality of care and are sufficient to enlist enough providers so that care and services are available to the general population in the geographic area.” You can read our comments here.

Finally, on Monday we submitted comments on a CMS request for information on aligning care for dual eligibles. CMS is looking for better ways to coordinate the care for these individuals, and we highlighted some of the issues that health centers face in this coordination. You can read our comments here.

Now that we’ve submitted these comments, we will turn our attention to the recently released Exchange proposed rule. Look for more information coming from NACHC on this, including a summary and analysis of the impact on health centers.