Yesterday was supposed to be the day when the curtain lifted on the most momentous showdown yet for Gov. Jared Polis’ health policy initiatives — when hospitals and insurance companies would have gotten hauled into a public hearing to explain why their prices aren’t lower.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently updated its reimbursement rates for medical services, and experts are monitoring how the changes may affect workers compensation medical fee schedules and insurance rates.
Medicaid would reimburse violence prevention programs in New York under a proposal advanced Tuesday in the state Senate.
The bill was approved in the final days of the legislative session and nearly a month after the budget, which also increased reimbursement rates for hospitals and nursing homes, was approved.
Some rural hospitals around the state can now qualify for federal funding all due to Arkansas lawmakers. During the 94th General Legislative Session, HB1127 was passed. The purpose of the bill was to create the rural emergency hospital act, to authorize the licensure of rural hospitals by the Department of Health, and to declare an emergency.
In the wake of Madera Community Hospital’s closure, backlash over if and when it will reopen continues – with criticism now aimed at California State Senator Anna Caballero.
In a letter sent out on Tuesday, May 23, by Deidre de Silva, Chair of the Board of the Madera County Hospital, allegations were directed against State Senator Caballero including references to financial statements being sent – but not being received, state funds outlined for the hospital not being sent in time to prevent its closure, and low Medi-Cal reimbursement rates which would put the hospital back on the brink of closure again.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer came to Albany on Wednesday to marshal support for a rule change that would bring nearly $200 million annually to Capital Region hospitals through adjustments to the Medicare Wage Index.