Federal Watch
March 1st, 2013
AGS is tracking developments of interest to geriatrics health professionals in order to provide weekly updates for our readers via our List Serv, americangeriatrics.org, our Facebook page, and our Twitter feed. 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.
AGS Updates Members on Impending Sequester
Yesterday, AGS sent out an e-alert to members updating them on the impending sequester and what AGS will be doing to ensure funding for the programs we care about over the next month. The Title VII and VIII geriatrics workforce programs as well as the NIA will take a 5.1% hit. Medicare providers, including hospitals, will be subject to a 2% cut. AGS is currently working in Washington in hopes of restoring full funding to these programs during the appropriations process for the remainder of the fiscal year. If you missed the alert, you can click here for additional details.
News Outlets on Sequestration and Health Care
As the sequester takes effect today, a number of news outlets – as pulled together by Kaiser Health News - are analyzing the potentially hazardous impact that budget cuts might have on the U.S. economy in general and of specific interest to AGS, Medicare. To see this roundup of press coverage, please click here.
Medicare Pay Fix Top Priority for Ways and Means
House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp announced earlier this week that finding a solution to address the flawed Medicare Physician Payment system is at the top of his to-do list this year, according to Kaiser Health News. Chairman Camp has also said that he’s received moderate support from a key Democrat and that the committee’s effort could be helped by a recently announced new assessment of how much the fix would cost.
Health Reform Law has Reduced Hospital Readmissions
According to the Washington Post, the Affordable Care Act has helped hospitals reduce readmission rates. Data compiled by the Obama administration shows that the nationwide rate of hospital readmissions of Medicare patients within 30 days of discharge was reported to be 17.8% in November after being fixed at 19% for over 5 years. Click here to read the full article.
What AGS did this Week
AGS submitted comments to the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees on reforming the flawed Medicare Payment System. Our letter highlights the need to invest in a system that promotes team care, care coordination and patient-centered care. A central aim of a new payment system should be to use value based purchasing methodology to facilitate a transition to a delivery system based on performance payment. Our detailed letter can be found on the AGS website.
Modified On: March 1st, 2013
