Medicare & Medicaid
Democratic representatives called the loss of health coverage the "perverse result that even the proponents of these new requirements should oppose."
It's the first time that CMS has formally outlined how states should calculate budget neutrality for demonstration projects in order to strengthen fiscal accountability.
Eligible consumers will be able to use their over-the-counter allowance on medications and health-related items such as first- aid supplies, support braces, and pain relievers.
States are required to get CMS approval for any changes they want to make to their Medicaid programs, no matter how simple.
Lower use of the Medicare annual wellness visit by non-white patients is partially explained by income and education.
Some drug companies pay less than what they would otherwise owe by introducing a new drug formulation, HHS Secretary Alex Azar says.
The 2018 benefit year will now determine risk adjustment payments to insurers, using the statewide average premium.
Starting in 2019, insurers may use step therapy to choose the least expensive drug first before moving on to another prescription.
Patient care is expected to improve, and as more people join the MA plans, costs are expected to go down.
CMS is finalizing the elimination the 25 percent threshold that reduces reimbursement for long-term hospitals.