Feb 14, 2018 | MedPAC, Physicians
As the new MACRA-created MIPS program goes into effect, some physicians and MedPAC have raised concerns. Issues range from uncertainty about who is required to report to the inclusion of Part B drugs. MedPAC even got in the mix with a last minute proposal to scrap the new program altogether. Click to read more.
Feb 13, 2018 | Hospitals, MedPAC
At MedPAC’s January meeting, the commission discussed a study mandated by 21st Century Cures legislation on the hospital readmissions reduction program (HRRP) to be included in the June report to Congress. MedPAC found that the HRRP has successfully created an incentive to reduce hospital readmission rates while demonstrating that program efforts do not negatively impact mortality rates. MedPAC made recommendations on ways to improve the HRRP, which it aims to include in the June 2018 report to Congress. Click to read more.
Feb 12, 2018 | Legislation/ Budgets/ Macro
In late January, Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and JP Morgan announced a partnership that aims to improve employee satisfaction and reduce healthcare costs. But what – if anything – does this initiative mean for the healthcare sector? Click to read more.
Feb 9, 2018 | Legislation/ Budgets/ Macro
Congress has passed and the president has signed a 2-year budget deal for FY2018 and FY2019. The budget deal will also suspend the debt limit through April of 2019. The legislation does have an extensive healthcare title – albeit composed mostly of provisions of relatively lesser magnitude. This is likely to be the last major healthcare policy effort until after the mid-term election in 2018. Click to read more.
