(March 3, 2023) – CMS Press Release Addresses Coverage of Monoclonal Antibodies for Alzheimer's Treatment
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a press release about Medicare coverage of monoclonal antibodies directed against amyloid for treatment of Alzheimer's disease. CMS stated, "At this time, CMS is not reconsidering the national coverage determination for Food and Drug Administration-approved monoclonal antibodies directed against amyloid for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. We recognize that these medications are a unique, new class of drugs, and we regret that the decision could not be more favorable."
Selected members of committees issued a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Kaiser Documents the Benefit of Medicaid Expansion on Rural Hospital Margins
A Kaiser Family Foundation study finds that rural hospitals face unique financial challenges and that margins have dropped substantially as COVID-19 relief has waned. The study also found that rural hospitals in states that have expanded Medicaid are faring better than hospitals in states that have not expanded.
MLN Connects Provider eNews Available
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued the following updates to MLN Connects Provider eNews:
Before You Go ...
The Health Resources and Services Administration is accepting applications for the Advanced Nursing Education Workforce Program, which aims to increase the number of primary care nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and certified nurse midwives trained to provide primary care services, mental health and SUD care, and maternal health care. The application deadline is Friday, April 7.
CMS Releases Additional PHE Transition Materials
CMS released additional information to help providers transition away from existing waivers and flexibilities when the COVID-19 PHE ends on Thursday, May 11. This includes a recorded presentation on the end of the PHE and a new CMS overview fact sheet. Staff contacts Sarah Wilson and Kara Amann-Kale.