AGS in Action – Weekly Updates
Federal Watch
April 26th, 2013
. This week, we update you about the increases in Medicare costs for higher income beneficiaries proposed in the new budget from the Obama Administration. We also report on an upcoming date that may impact doctors who refer or order services for Medicare beneficiaries. In addition, with the confusion surrounding the Affordable Care Act there has been a rise in the number of health care scams targeting Medicare beneficiaries.
Federal Watch
April 12th, 2013
This week, we update you on a recent CMS decision to increase private payments to Medicare Advantage plans next year. We also report on a new Dashboard for Medicare Chronic Conditions. In addition, an article from POLITICO discusses the overwhelming support that Marilyn Tavenner received from the Senate Finance committee earlier this week. Lastly, we share a podcast released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) about Medicare Part D Medication Therapy Management Programs.
Federal Watch
March 29th, 2013
This week, we discuss the recent release of the NCQA’s Patient Centered Specialty Practice Recognition program. We also share an interesting article about the extreme opposition to Medicare’s proposal of greater drug rebates. In addition, we discuss White House warnings that cutting Medicare will shift costs to the private sector. Lastly, we update you on a new rule allowing hospitals to claim Medicare Part B costs in settings where the original setting of care was incorrect.
Federal Watch
March 15th, 2013
This week, we update you on a committee that is being created to address the increasing costs of long-term care. We also discuss the variance in cost of cancer care and the rates of survival. In addition, we share an interesting article which covers the increase in numbers of osteopathic physicians, and whether this may affect the numbers of primary care physicians in rural areas.
Federal Watch
March 8th, 2013
This week, we update you on a new report calling for payment reform as well as news from CMS on the status of Meaningful Use Stage 3. We also report on a recent article which finds that electronic health records may have the un-intended effect of information overload for doctors. Lastly, we share a new PBS Newshour video that discusses the difficulties that some Medicare beneficiaries are experiencing when looking for a primary care physician that accepts Medicare.
Federal Watch
March 1st, 2013
This week, we update you on the latest news out of Capitol Hill regarding the impending sequester and the Medicare ‘doc fix’. We also share news regarding the health reform law’s impact on hospital readmission rates. Lastly, we update you on the detailed comments on payment reform that AGS recently shared with the House.
Federal Watch
February 22nd, 2013
This week, we update you on the latest news out of Capitol Hill regarding the impending sequester, and how it will affect Medicare spending. In addition, we share an interesting article which covers the evolving role of nurse practitioners in the U.S. under the new health law. Lastly, we share the unique perspective of how the state of Arizona cares for its frailest patients.
Federal Watch
February 15th, 2013
This week, we update you on the latest news on the Hill, including recent SGR talks and how the President addressed health reform in his State of the Union. We share an interesting initiative out of Cedars-Sinai Hospital known as the “Frailty Project” and lastly, update you on a an upcoming National Provider Call regarding the 2014 eRx and 2015 PQRS Payment Adjustment.
Federal Watch
February 8th, 2013
This week, we update you on the recent release of CMS’s ‘Sunshine Rule’ which affects how older adults will receive prescription medications. On a similar note, according to a new HHS report, Medicare prescription drugs are more affordable than ever. We additionally share news of the bipartisan legislation to repeal the SGR and reform the flawed Medicare physician payment system.
Federal Watch
February 1st, 2013
This week, we update you on a recent letter that we signed in support of non-defense discretionary programs, which are currently at stake. In addition, we share a new report on various policy options to control Medicare spending and update you on the effects of competitive bidding on Medicare pricing.
