Medicare & Medicaid

Better Medicare Alliance said the rule threatens to raise seniors' health costs amid a global pandemic.

The agreement leverages existing private sector infrastructure, since the majority of the public lives within five miles of a pharmacy.

Although Medicare won’t pay for monoclonal antibody treatments that providers receive for free, it will reimburse for the infusion. 

The rule seeks to reduce federal regulatory barriers, support adaptability and promote transparency and innovation.

The severability issue of the individual mandate is where "the rubber hits the road," says AHIP Attorney Pratik Shah.

UnitedHealth Group has announced a living donor program to give $12,000 to individuals who provide organs to one of its employees.

This week's top stories include Under Armour throwing all its weight behind MapMyFitness, HHS unveiling its 2020-2025 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan, and CMS approving a Georgia waiver to transition to a non-ACA private sector marketplace.

Certain new and innovative equipment and supplies will qualify for the additional Medicare payment.

Democratic opponents say the "unlawful waiver" will expose consumers to greater financial risk by encouraging the use of junk plans. 

Direct contracting is the next CMMI model and is based on Next Generation, Medicare Shared Savings and Medicare Advantage plans.