Federal Health Policy Update for July 24
The following is the latest health policy news from the federal government for July 18-24. Some of the language used below is taken directly from government documents. The White House The White House has released its AI action plan. Winning [...]
CMS Pulling the Plug on Continuous Medicaid Eligibility
Continuous eligibility for Medicaid is being phased out, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced. Characterizing its decision as one that follows more closely the statutory underpinnings of Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, CMS explains that [...]
The New Rural Health Fund
Recognizing that the Medicaid and other health care cuts in the recently enacted FY 2026 budget reconciliation bill – the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill – will exact a heavy toll on rural hospitals, Congress included in that bill a [...]
OBBB Implementation Timeline
DeBrunner & Associates has prepared a timeline presenting the timeline showing the stages through which the FY 2026 federal budget reconciliation bill (the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) will be implemented. Find it here.
Federal Health Policy Update for July 17
The following is the latest health policy news from the federal government for July 11-17. Some of the language used below is taken directly from government documents. Proposed Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System Regulation for [...]
ASH Seeks Glide Path to Provider Tax Changes
In the wake of recent efforts to limit the ability of states to use provider taxes to help fund their Medicaid programs, the Alliance of Safety-Net Hospitals has asked the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to phase in changes [...]
Hospitals Shedding OB Services
Hospitals are closing down their obstetric services at an alarming rate – especially rural hospitals. According to a recent study: In eight states, more than two-thirds of rural hospitals do not offer OB services. In 2022, the majority of rural [...]
Federal Health Policy Update for July 10
The following is the latest health policy news from the federal government for July 4-10. Some of the language used below is taken directly from government documents. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CMS has posted an FAQ on inpatient [...]
States Mull Responses to Reconciliation Medicaid Cuts
Establishing new grant programs for hospitals, especially for rural hospitals. Reducing or eliminating optional Medicaid benefits such as dental and vision. Cutting payments to providers. Calling their legislature back into session. These are among the moves states are considering in [...]
340B on the Move – For the Worse for Providers?
The 340B Drug Pricing Program may soon find itself under the direction of a new federal administrator – one that might be inclined toward changes in the program. While the current home of 340B is the Department of Health and [...]