(Sept. 22, 2023) – CMS to Publish Final Rules to Simplify Eligibility for Medicare Savings Plans
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is scheduled to publish final rules this week simplifying the processes for individuals to participate in Medicare Savings Plans.
CMS Releases New COVID-19 Vaccine CPT Codes
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the CPT codes for six new mRNA COVID-19 vaccines that became effective Sept. 11.
CMS Announces Lower Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs
The Inflation Reduction Act provided protections from high prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a list of 34 prescription drugs for which Medicare Part B beneficiary coinsurance may be lower between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2023. According to CMS, "Some people with Medicare who take these drugs may save between $1 and $618 per average dose."
CDC Foundation Announces Pregnant and Protected Campaign
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Foundation announced a new national campaign, Pregnant and Protected, to inform pregnant and postpartum people, and those considering pregnancy, of the significance of being up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccination. Pregnant and postpartum people are at a higher risk for developing severe illness and complications because of COVID-19. Numerous studies have shown the COVID-19 vaccine is safe before, during and after pregnancy, and it protects pregnant and postpartum people, and their babies, from severe illness.
The CDC's COVID-19 vaccine Interim Clinical Considerations will be updated soon to align with the approval of the updated COVID-19 vaccine for all individuals over the age of six months. This update will include information related to pregnancy, lactation and fertility.
CMS Reminds Hospitals of IQR, OQR Submission Deadlines
Hospitals participating in the Inpatient Quality Reporting and/or Outpatient Quality Reporting programs are reminded of submission deadlines for the second quarter of 2023 data.
- Wednesday, Oct. 4
- Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems' patient perspective on care survey data
- Wednesday, Nov. 1
- Inpatient population and sampling counts
- Outpatient clinical data and population and sampling counts
- Wednesday, Nov. 15
- Inpatient clinical sepsis data and PC-01 data
- The U.S. Health Care Personnel COVID-19 vaccination measure data into the National Healthcare Safety Network
IQR and OQR submission checklists are available.
MLN Connects Provider eNews Available
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued the following updates to MLN Connects Provider eNews:
Before You Go ...
- The Joint Commission is hosting an Expert to Expert webinar, 2024 Annual Update Webinar for PC-02 and PC-07 eCQMs, at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26. Registration is required.
- RSM is hosting its third annual RSM Virtual Health Care Day on Thursday, Sept. 28. Along with covering topics such as margin improvement and generative AI, speakers from Mayo Clinic and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital will participate in a panel discussion. Up to 11 CPE credits are available, and registration is complimentary for this event.