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February 21, 2024

Many disproportionate share hospitals face lower Medicaid payments under new final rule

Dave Muoio | February 21, 2024 Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments are being cut by $8 billion annually during the current and next four federal fiscal years under a new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) final rule that aims to reduce overpayments. Finalized Tuesday, the rule (PDF) stems from provisions in the…

February 16, 2024

Surprise billing disputes continue to far outpace federal estimates: CMS

Paige Minemyer | February 16, 2024 The number of balance billing disputes reaching arbitration is far higher than federal projections suggested, according to new data from the Biden administration. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a report this week looking at the number of surprising billing negotiations that reached the independent dispute…

February 14, 2024

Half of rural hospitals are losing money. Rising MA enrollment likely won’t help them, Chartis warns

Dave Muoio | February 14, 2024 As more and more rural hospitals find their operations dropping into the red, the rising enrollment of rural residents in Medicare Advantage plans could pull these providers under, healthcare advisory services firm Chartis warned in a new report. What’s more, this trend could erode the rural health safety net…

February 07, 2024

HALFWAY THROUGH ‘UNWINDING,’ MEDICAID ENROLLMENT IS DOWN ABOUT 10M

Phil Galewitz |  KFF HEALTH NEWS | February 7, 2024 Halfway through what will be the biggest purge of Medicaid beneficiaries in a one-year span, enrollment in the government-run health insurance program is on track to return to roughly pre-pandemic levels. Medicaid, which covers low-income and disabled people, and the related Children’s Health Insurance Program grew to…

February 01, 2024

Medicare Advantage plans could see rates dip slightly in 2025

Rebecca Pifer | February 1, 2024 The CMS proposed a 0.2% dip in MA rates. However, analysts said regulators will likely improve the payment rate in the final notice. Health insurers in Medicare Advantage will see their payment rates drop slightly in 2025 if a new proposed regulation is finalized. The CMS on Wednesday released preliminary…