We turn the page on 2019 and plunge ahead to 2020 with a lot of unfinished work. A key task left unfinished as we approach a new decade is long-term and stable funding for Community Health Centers, now operating under a temporary measure through May 22nd. Even so, health centers are no less supported; indeed, …
Tag: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
InCK: CMMI’s Promising New Payment Model for Children
By Bethany Hamilton, JD (Deputy Director, State Affairs, NACHC) and Anoosha Hasan (NACHC State Affairs Intern, University of Maryland) The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) rolled out a promising new initiative to address behavioral needs for children through an integrated state delivery and payment model. In a few months, the public will learn how …
CMS Unveils New Initiative to Overhaul Primary Care
This post has been updated with new information. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the CMS Primary Cares Initiative, with the goal of improving patient care while managing health care costs. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar described the move as “a historic turning point” in press reports. He …
Update on Medicare Rule for Health Centers
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a rule on the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) last December, bringing significant changes to the program. Named the “Pathways to Success,” the final rule will require Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) participating in the MSSP to take greater financial risks. NACHC’s comments on the proposed rule …
A New Medicare Shared Savings Proposed Rule Could Affect Health Centers
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a proposed rule that would transform their Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP), pushing accountable care organizations (ACOs) to take on increasing levels of financial risk. CMS’s proposal, which it is calling “Pathways to Success,” would consolidate and streamline the ACO track options; require that participating …
CMS Issues Guidance on Community Engagement and Work Requirement Proposals for Medicaid
Today CMS published its much anticipated federal policy guidance (SMD: 18-002, see NACHC summary here) reiterating its support and describing considerations for states with an interest in pursuing Section 1115(a) Medicaid waivers to implement work and/or community engagement requirements for Medicaid. This effort began last year with a letter from then-Secretary Price and CMS Administrator …
CMS Issues Informational Bulletins on Waiver Processes
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) has issued two informational bulletins on changes to the Section 1115 Medicaid waiver process and State Plan Amendment and 1915 waiver process. The informational bulletins are a follow-up to a March 14 letter from CMS Administrator Seema Verma and then-HHS Secretary …