Week in Washington is brought to you by Michael Cohen, PhD. Tune in each week to read the latest on healthcare policy and get a glimpse of what’s on the horizon.
Week in Washington
08/17/2023
Medicaid Unwinding
Medicaid disenrollment data now states at approximately 4.8 million people are based on data from 44 states and DC. One main question is what coverage, if any, do those being disenrolled have. There has been some pushback by some state officials as to the extent of loss coverage. Kentucky reported that roughly 40% of those disenrolled from Medicaid had other sources of coverage.
DSH Cuts
Axios reported that hospitals are attempting to halt nearly $1 billion in Medicare payment cuts that are scheduled due to reduction in disproportionate share hospital payments (DSH).
Stopgap
Congress is currently on vacation but when it returns after Labor Day, there is plenty of must pass legislation. Given the short amount, it is becoming more likely that a stopgap budget bill will happen and push deadlines until the end of the year. This would mean other potential health care related legislation (PBM regulations, prior authorization, and provider reimbursement changes) would also be likely pushed back for consideration until the end of the year.
ACO Reach Changes
CMS announced that it would be adding two measures to the ACO Reach program to shift payments to urban areas and away from rural areas. The metrics include taking into account the number of beneficiaries that get a Medicare Part D low-income subsidy as well as a state-based version of the Area Deprivation Index.
Previous editions:
08/10/2023: Week in Washington
07/27/2023: Week in Washington
07/20/2023: Week in Washington
07/13/2023: Week in Washington
06/29/2023: Week in Washington
06/22/2023: Week in Washington
06/15/2023: Week in Washington
06/08/2023: Week in Washington