Reimbursement

Following the devastation of post-tropical storm Sandy last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued blanket waivers of particular requirements that include all hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, hospice and end-stage renal disease facilities in the areas of New York and New Jersey that were strongly affected by the storm.

Following the devastation of post-tropical storm Sandy, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued blanket waivers of particular requirements that include all hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, hospice and end-stage renal disease facilities in the areas of New York and New Jersey that were strongly affected by the storm.

Massachusetts has tentatively selected six organizations to participate in a three-year, capitated payment model demonstration for dual eligible patients.

Humana Inc. on Monday announced third quarter 2012 earnings of $2.62 per share that were slightly lower than its earnings for $2.67 for the same period last year. Nonetheless, the company's third quarter performance beat both the company's internal guidance and bettered by a sizable margin Wall Street analyst estimates of $2.05 for the quarter.

Humana Inc.'s third quarter earnings call was filled with more than just financial results Monday, as it also announced the acquisition of three companies as the company looks to continue building its clinical delivery infrastructure.

With 20 percent of the state uninsured, Nevada's state exchange is aiming to offer affordable coverage and be financially self-sustaining, while neighboring California takes bids for its HIX, and insurers and state officials await a post-election rule-making flood from Washington.

The National Quality Forum (NQF) announced nov. 5 it has endorsed 10 behavioral health quality measures, addressing alcohol and tobacco abuse, antipsychotic medication adherence, and post care follow-up after hospitalization for mental illness.

According to a new report from the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (NAPH), hospitals could possibly face a $53.3 billion increase in uncompensated care costs by 2019 if states forgo expanding their Medicaid programs as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found that Medicare-covered advanced imaging services increased between 2004 and 2010, and that unecessary provider self-referrals cost $109 million in 2010.

UnitedHealth exits S.C. Medicaid market; Vermont urges state workers to enroll their kids in CHIP; and Washington Medicaid will cover autism therapy in this week's Medicaid Digest.