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Free COVID-19 testing opens up potential for fraud
One area ripe for fraud is in COVID-19 testing, according to a data expert who works with health plan sponsors.
Fraudulent testing providers are taking advantage of the emergency rule that says COVID-19 tests are covered, according to Eileen Flick, dir…
Providers get greater reimbursement for COVID-19 vaccine
Medicare is now paying higher reimbursement rates for hospitals, physicians, pharmacies and others to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.
MedPAC recommends the continuation of telehealth for a limited time
Policymakers should temporarily continue some of the telehealth flexibilities allowed during the public health emergency for a limited time to gather more evidence about the impact of telehealth on care access, quality and program spending, the Medicar…
House approves $1.9 trillion rescue plan which now goes before Biden for his signature
The House has given final approval to the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, sending it to President Joe Biden for his signature.
Office of Civil Rights extends comment period on changes to HIPAA privacy rule
The Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced a 45-day extension of the public comment period for the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to modify the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA…
CDC relaxes COVID-19 restrictions as more Americans get vaccinated
As more Americans get vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has loosened social distancing restrictions for those fully vaccinated.
The CDC is allowing for indoor gatherings without mask wearing for fully vaccinated people.
$250 million in COVID-19 grants aim to vaccinate underserved populations
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health is offering $250 million in grants to get COVID-19 vaccinations and safety information to underserved populations.
The health literacy grants will go to localities, which will …
Senate passes $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, without additional hospital funding
The Senate passed the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan on Saturday, with amendments, the biggest being no plan to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour.
The American Rescue Plan also doesn’t include relief funding for hospitals or loan forgiveness…
HHS asks Supreme Court for more time in filing response to site neutral payment review
The Department of Health and Human Services has asked the Supreme Court for an extension to file a response to the American Hospital Association’s request for a judicial review regarding site neutral payments.
More than 200,000 take advantage of ACA special enrollment period
During the first two weeks of the special enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act, more than 200,000 people signed up for coverage.
The special enrollment began on February 15 and will end on May 15.
