Medicare & Medicaid
In this year's presidential campaign, health care has taken a back seat. But one issue appears to be breaking through - the rising cost of prescription drugs.
An estimated 10,000 Americans are turning 65 years old each day, and many are choosing Medicare Advantage over traditional Medicare.
While the plan is heralded by many as the flexibility providers and advocates have been pleading for, a lot still remains unknown.
With the reporting and tech burdens high even by large provider standards, solo and small group practices are preparing for a rough entry.
Avoidable readmissions within 30 days of initial discharge are estimated to cost Medicare more than $17 billion annually.
With the Quality Payment Program under MACRA set to begin on January 1, 2017, CMS is offering clinicians four options to comply and avoid a negative payment adjustment in 2019.
Across the board, hospitals earned more if they were in a state where more people had coverage and saw declines in the level of uncompensated care.
Leaders from the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Energy and Commerce said healthcare providers need more time.
Patient advocates have argued that follow-up colonoscopies should be provided without cost sharing by patients; awareness can help patients prepare for facility fees.
Legislation also would require the nation's first minimum nurse-to patient staffing ratios in observation care units.