Below is Alston & Bird’s
Health Care Week in Review, which provides a synopsis of the latest news in health care regulations, notices, and guidance; federal legislation and congressional committee action; reports, studies, and analyses; and other health policy news.
Week in Review Highlight of the Week:
On Wednesday, HHS finalized its review of Phase 3 Provider Relief Fund applications and began distribution of the funds. Read more about this action and other news below.
I. Regulations, Notices & Guidance
On December 14, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), along with several other agencies, issued a final rule entitled,
Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in the Federal Agencies’ Programs and Activities. This rule provides clarity about the rights and obligations of faith-based organizations participating in the Agencies’ Federal financial assistance programs and activities. This rulemaking is intended to ensure that the Agencies’ Fed
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This week in Washington: Washington waited for a COVID-19 stimulus and omnibus appropriations bill ahead of the holiday recess, and a deal was struck Sunday night; Attached to the COVID-19 relief provisions and omnibus appropriations bill are a number of health provisions.
House/Senate
Administration
CMS: New Model Option for Medicaid Managed Care Organizations Serving Beneficiaries Dually Eligible for Medicare and Medicaid
CMS: Applications for MIPS Exceptions Due to COVID-19 Now Due Feb. 1
CMS Office of the Actuary Releases 2019 National Health Expenditures
CMS: FY 2021 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes
Friday, December 18, 2020
This Week’s Dose
Congress is close to a deal to fund the government as well as provide further coronavirus (COVID-19) relief, although work will continue over the weekend. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, and is expected to
Congress
Congress Expected to Finalize $900 Billion in COVID-19 Relief. House and Senate lawmakers are reportedly nearing a deal on COVID-19 relief and stimulus legislation that resembles a proposal introduced by the bipartisan bicameral working group earlier this week. The bill is expected to include direct grants to states and localities and funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support vaccine distribution, along with funding for states for testing and contact tracing efforts, and additional money for the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). The bill is also expected to include additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program to
On December 3, 2020, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“
CMS”) announced key details concerning a new value-based reimbursement and patient care model – the Geographic Direct Contracting Model (the “
Model” or “
Geo”). Geo is a geographic-based approach to value-based Medicare reimbursement and patient care that focuses on improving health outcomes and decreasing the cost of care across an entire geographic region. Direct contracting entities (“
DCEs”) participating in the Model will be taking responsibility for the total cost of care of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries in their region. Accountable care organizations (ACOs), health systems, health care provider groups, health plans, and other potential applicants will be permitted to participate in the Model as DCEs. The Model intends to encourage care coordination across a physical, geographic area and to deliver care that considers a region’s particular local needs.[1]