Share it
Payer groups on Monday slammed a CMS proposed rule to streamline the prior authorization process, arguing the comment period was unreasonably and perhaps illegally short, the effective dates were unrealistic and the rule heaps further burden on a health system still digesting other regulatory changes while swamped by the coronavirus pandemic.
The rule first proposed in mid-December is part of the Trump administration s push to improve the electronic exchange of health data between payers, providers and patients, and builds off massive interoperability regulations finalized in March.
It focuses on standardizing and speeding the prior authorization process, in which a physician must get the green light from a patient s insurer for medication or treatment before administering it.
Making seniors comfortable with telehealth will be a goal for healthcare in 2021 Access and communication are the main barriers to entry for older Americans seeking to utilize virtual care.
, Associate Editor
Telehealth has played a critical role in healthcare delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this is especially true for older Americans. Given the numerous restrictions and guidelines that have been enacted to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, virtual care has been critical in helping seniors safely get the care they need.
Yet, according to data from Medicare-focused digital health company GoHealth, three in five Medicare beneficiaries and seniors nearing eligibility admit to not knowing how to use video call technology. The main issues boil down to access and education.
Industry groups argue proposal for states to opt out of ACA exchanges will leave vulnerable uninsured
Getty Images
Insurers, healthcare professionals and industry lobbying groups are all concerned about a Trump administration proposal that would allow states to essentially privatize their Affordable Care Act exchanges by 2023, according to comments on the proposed rule.
If finalized, the rule could force millions of people who buy insurance through a state-based exchange or HealthCare.gov to go through private brokers. Critics of the proposal argue that poses a conflict of interest regarding brokers and the coverage they offer. Close to 11.5 million people bought an ACA plan in 2020, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
UPDATE: $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill in doubt as President Trump refuses to sign The president wants Congress to amend the bill to increase stimulus funds for individuals from $600 to $2,000.
, Managing Editor
President Donald Trump on Wednesday has thrown doubt over the $900 bilion coronavirus relief package passed by Congress by refusing to sign the bill. He is asking Congress to amend the bill to increase the $600 stimulus to individuals to $2,000, according to CNN.
Congress this week passed the $2.3 trillion spending package that funds the government through the end of the fiscal year and includes $900 billion in a COVID-19 relief bill.
The bill ends eight months of partisan stalemate for a fifth and final stimulus package that President Trump is expected to sign. Providers get $3 billion, which is far less than the $175 billion included in other provider relief packages earlier this year.
The year-end omnibus appropriations package had several key healthcare provisions included in it.
The House of Representatives and Senate passed a $900 billion coronavirus relief package Monday night, which President Donald Trump is expected to sign Tuesday.
The year-end omnibus appropriations package had several key healthcare provisions, including funding for coronavirus testing, changes to the Provider Relief Fund, and other policy adjustments not related to the pandemic.
Below are collected responses from key healthcare organizations and several industry stakeholders.
AHA: More must be done
The American Hospital Association thanked Congress for the welcome news for patients and their families while also calling on federal lawmakers to address outstanding issues facing provider organizations.