Week in Washington: Summer’s End

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Week in Washington: Summer’s End

 

The first week post Labor Day unfortunately signals the end of summer. It also signals that activity on Capitol Hill will soon pick up (they’re back from recess next week). Congress has a big portfolio of issues to tackle from funding the government (current funding expires at the end of September), to prescription drugs, to surprise billing. Most of the lobbying and Hill discussion is on surprise billing. Intense lobbying is reportedly stalling the legislation. The general expectation is that no major legislation will be completed next year so if things are delayed that effectively means waiting until after the election.

IRS Releases 9010 Fee Number: The IRS released the official documentation on it yesterday and noted absent legislative action, the fee will resume in 2020. The official 2020 applicable amount is $15,522,820,037. You can read the official guidance here.

Medicare Advantage RADV Comments: Last week the official comment period for feedback to CMS on risk adjustment data validation ended. Currently, health insurers have been very public in their opposition to the proposed changes to the program. There is intense media coverage of the RADV policy issue and what CMS ultimately decides to do about the program. 

Private Equity and Provider: Also having increased media coverage is the push by private equity to invest in provider practices. According to one report “These firms are attracted to specialties that promise rich revenue from ambulatory surgery centers, lab, imaging and other ancillary services.”

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