Policy and Legislation

The guidance clarifies that those with disabilities should not be prevented from receiving needed healthcare benefits and services.

Legislation could permit insurers to base payment for COVID-19 tests administered out-of-network on their median in-network rate, AHIP says.

This week's top stories include a report that the VA did not ensure the quality of data migrated to its new Cerner EHR system, and a federal judge ruling that Martin Shkreli be barred from the pharma industry and ordering him to pay $64.6M.

The agency's end goal for Medicare Advantage is to match CMS' vision for its programs as a whole, with an emphasis on health equity.

The hope is that it will strengthen HHS' human trafficking prevention and intervention efforts with a focus on partnerships, equity and open data.

Lawmakers want CMS to maintain the stability of the program, pointing to growing enrollment numbers during the pandemic.

CMS credited the American Rescue Plan with lowering average monthly premiums for HealthCare.gov consumers by 23%.

Some of the policies in the Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters may limit innovation and competition, AHIP said.

This week's top stories include SCOTUS blocking a vaccine mandate for employees of large companies, yet upholding another one for facilities that accept Medicare and Medicaid funding, and digital medicine platform Akili plans to go public through merging with SPAC Social Capital Suvretta.

Bamlanivimab and etesevimab, which are administered in tandem, and REGEN-COV are not effective against Omicron, the FDA said.