Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
CMS Extends Deadline To Update Self-Referral Law
Federal regulators pushed back an update to the self-referral law to August 2021, HHS and CMS announced Wednesday. The agencies delayed the finalization of the Stark law proposed rule that aims to facilitate more data sharing between providers and suppliers, incentive pay under CMS-approved care models and donations of cybersecurity technology, among other provisions that were slated for final action this month. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the process, and CMS and HHS are still "working through the complexity of the issues raised by comments received on the proposed rule," they wrote in a notice sent Wednesday. CMS and HHS did not say whether the Anti-Kickback Statute rulemaking process was also delayed. (Kacik, 8/26)
The Medicare agency gave itself extra time to finalize a rule that would change how an anti-fraud law is carried out. The rule is aimed at easing restraints on health-care providers and improving care. Modifications to the rules under the Stark law, which prohibits physician self-referrals, were proposed Oct. 9, 2019, by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. They would provide new exceptions for value-based arrangements, which help doctors and other providers coordinate care among shared patients. (8/26)
In other Medicare news —
Starting next week, CMS is requiring hospitals have positive COVID-19 laboratory tests in patients' records to qualify for Medicare's 20% add-on payment. The new rule, which CMS said seeks to address "potential Medicare program integrity risks," applies to admissions beginning Sept. 1. Until now, CMS guidance has said a provider's documentation—but not necessarily a positive test result—is sufficient to receive the 20% higher Medicare reimbursement for inpatient COVID treatment. (Bannow, 8/26)
Medicare open enrollment is less than two months away, and if you want to save some money next year, now’s the time to act. Open enrollment for Medicare and Part D prescription coverage runs each year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. It’s a critical period for seniors, as this is when they can shop around for plans that will do a better job of meeting their needs next year. Changes you can make include swapping from original Medicare (Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical coverage) to a private Medicare Advantage plan. (Mercado, 8/26)
