Medicare & Medicaid
HHS has partnered with UnitedHealth Group to provide the rapid payment via Optum Bank and the Automated Clearing House account information on file.
CMS has received over 25,000 requests and has approved over 17,000 in the last week.
The 21st Century Cures Act requires that CMS phase in changes to risk adjustment payments over a three-year period, with full implementation by 2022.
CMS is also allowing ERs to use drive-through testing and telehealth, and for tests to be done at home for stay-at-home residents.
Anthem claims the DOJ has violated the law in holding Medicare Advantage plans to payment standards that are not applied to regular Medicare.
On-site inspections will continue at certain facilities, such as the Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington, where 26 residents died.
Healthcare providers should encourage patients to remain home unless there is an emergency to protect others and limit their exposure.
The savings are due in part to strict price-reporting controls on pharmaceutical companies and the continuance of drug manufacturer rebates.
Twenty-six percent of U.S. adults say they're "much more likely" to support such policy initiatives, while 15% say they're somewhat more likely.
The designation frees up billions in funding for states and relaxes rules for providers and the federal government.