National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call
Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022 Start Time: 4:00 pm ET Please join the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control for a National Nursing Home …
CMS
Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
On September 23, 2022, the CDC updated its infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel across all settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. A summary of recent changes includes: Updated …
CMS Long-Term Services and Supports Open Door Forum
Date: Tuesday, October 4, 2022 Start Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET); Please dial-in at least 15 minutes before call start time. This call will be Conference …
CMS Long-Term Services and Supports Open Door Forum Read More »
CMS Physicians, Nurses & Allied Health Professionals Open Door Forum
Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2022 Start Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET); Please dial-in at least 15 minutes before call start time. This call will be Conference …
CMS Physicians, Nurses & Allied Health Professionals Open Door Forum Read More »
Meet the Team: Melanie Ronda
Meet Melanie Ronda, MSN, RN, Assistant Director of Health Care Quality Improvement, Nursing Home Lead for NY, NJ, and Ohio, and the Infection Preventionist for IPRO. Melanie has been in …
Meet the Team: Laura Benzel
Meet Laura Benzel from Qlarant, the Health Equity Lead for the IPRO QIN-QIO and an IPRO Health Equity Task Force member. Laura has ten years of experience working on equity-related …
Meet the Team: Maureen Marsella
Meet Maureen Marsella, RN, BS, CCM. Maureen works for Healthcentric Advisors, a member of the IPRO QIN-QIO. A former hospital Joint Commission and Regulatory Compliance Manager, Certified Case Manager and …
CMS OMH Honors National Hispanic Heritage Month
This year, as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) honors National Hispanic Heritage Month, we will be focusing on the nation’s 60.5 million …
Medicare Open Enrollment Period Bootcamp 2022 Webinars
Save the dates to join CMS as they share Medicare Program updates and resources to help those who assist people with Medicare make informed decisions about their 2023 health care …
Medicare Open Enrollment Period Bootcamp 2022 Webinars Read More »
Do You Have a Plan?
September is National Preparedness Month. This observance is intended to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies, and engaging providers, community-based organization and community residents to …
CMS Updates the Nursing Home Requirements of Participation: What Pharmacists and Facilities Need to Know
September 21, 2022 12 – 1 pm ET Live Webinar September 28, 2022 12 – 1 pm ET Recording including Live Q&A with Presenters In reaction to concerns for the …
CMS Discontinuing the Use of Certificates of Medical Necessity and Durable Medical Equipment Information Forms to Increase Efficiency and Reduce Burden for Clinicians, DME Suppliers, and Beneficiaries
As part of its ongoing efforts to increase access to care and to reduce unnecessary administrative burden for stakeholders, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be discontinuing …
National Immunization Awareness Month
During August, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) recognizes National Immunization Awareness Month. Immunizations, often referred to as vaccinations, vaccines, or shots, may …
CMS Enhances Nursing Home Rating System with Staffing and Turnover Data
Updates to Five-Star Quality Rating System Will Increase Transparency and Improve Quality in Nursing Homes The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has launched its enhanced Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating …
CMS Enhances Nursing Home Rating System with Staffing and Turnover Data Read More »
CMS Proposes Rule to Advance Health Equity, Improve Access to Care, and Promote Competition and Transparency
Hospital Outpatient and Ambulatory Surgical Center Proposed Rule Proposes Payment Policies for Rural Emergency Hospitals and Behavioral Health Services The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing actions …
CMS: Updated Guidance for Nursing Home Resident Health & Safety, June 29, 2022
Overview of New and Updated Guidance To further support the implementation of the Long-Term Care (LTC) Facilities Requirements for Participation, which were published in 2016, CMS is issuing surveyor guidance …
CMS: Updated Guidance for Nursing Home Resident Health & Safety, June 29, 2022 Read More »
CMS Unveils More User-Friendly Medicare Website
New Medicare.gov will incorporate public feedback and make it easier to compare, choose, and understand Medicare coverage Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) unveiled several updates to …
CMS Ambulance Open Door Forum: Thursday, May 12, 2022
Date: Thursday, May 12, 2022 Start Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm PM Eastern Time (ET); Please dial-in at least 15 minutes before call start time. Conference Leaders: Jill Darling, Maria Durham **This Agenda …
CMS Ambulance Open Door Forum: Thursday, May 12, 2022 Read More »
Medicare Beneficiaries to Get Free Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests
The Biden-Harris Administration announced on April 4 that more than 59 million Americans with Medicare Part B, including those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, now have access to Food …
Medicare Beneficiaries to Get Free Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests Read More »
Eligible Individuals Can Receive Second COVID-19 Booster Shot at No Cost
On April 6, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will pay for a second COVID-19 booster shot of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines …
Eligible Individuals Can Receive Second COVID-19 Booster Shot at No Cost Read More »
CMS National Training Program (NTP) Update
Medicare covers a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot If you’re 65 or older and you’re fully vaccinated for COVID-19, you can get a booster shot, at no cost to you. You can …
CMS OMH Celebrates National Rural Health Day
Throughout the month of November, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) is recognizing National Rural Health Day, November 18, and highlighting the unique …
CMS Regional Office COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination IFC-6: Presentation Slides and Video
CMS’ stakeholder call on the COVID-19 Omnibus Vaccine Rule (IFC-6) exceeded its limit of 10,000 participants. CMS has posted the presentation slides and a recording of the call for your …
November 9: CMS Physicians, Nurses & Allied Health Professionals Open Door Forum
Conference Call Only: Dial 1-888-455-1397 & use passcode 8604468 Conference Leaders: Gift Tee (Center for Medicare), Dr. Eugene Freund (Office of Communications); Moderator Jill Darling (OC) will discuss CY 2022 …
November 9: CMS Physicians, Nurses & Allied Health Professionals Open Door Forum Read More »
CMS Launches Webpage to Share Innovative State Actions to Expand Medicaid Home and Community-based Services
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a new “one-stop shop” for state Medicaid agencies and stakeholders on Medicaid.gov to advance transparency and innovation for home and community-based …
“Medicare & You” Handbook Now Available in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese
Translated handbooks are available to order from Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today that the “Medicare & You” handbook is now available in …
“Medicare & You” Handbook Now Available in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese Read More »
Celebrating 31 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act
During July, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) observes the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). First enacted on July 26, …
Celebrating 31 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act Read More »
CMS Proposes Physician Payment Rule to Improve Health Equity, Patient Access
Rule Would Expand Access to Telehealth Services, Enhance Diabetes Prevention Programs The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing changes to address the widening gap in health equity …
CMS Proposes Physician Payment Rule to Improve Health Equity, Patient Access Read More »
HHS Announces Rule to Protect Consumers from Surprise Medical Bills
Announcement is the first in a series of regulations aimed at shielding patients from increased financial hardships stemming from surprise medical bills CMS – July 2, 2021 | Today, the …
HHS Announces Rule to Protect Consumers from Surprise Medical Bills Read More »
CMS Proposes to Enhance Medical Workforce in Rural and Underserved Communities to Support COVID-19 Recovery and Beyond
Proposed Rule Would Require Hospitals to Report Vaccination Rates Among Healthcare Staff CMS News – April 27, 2021 |The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule …
NQF’s Measure Applications Partnership Call for Nominations Now Open Through May 6
The National Quality Forum’s (NQF) Measure Applications Partnership (MAP) Call for Nominations for organizations and individual subject matter experts is open. The MAP is a public-private partnership convened by NQF, funded by a contract …
NQF’s Measure Applications Partnership Call for Nominations Now Open Through May 6 Read More »
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources: What Partners Need to Know Now
March 29, 2021 – As COVID-19 vaccines continue rolling out across the country, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking action to protect the health and safety …
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources: What Partners Need to Know Now Read More »
New C2C Telehealth Resources Available
In response to the increased use and expanded coverage of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, From Coverage to Care (C2C) released two new resources to support providers and patients in …
Biden Administration to Invest $250 Million in Effort to Encourage COVID-19 Safety and Vaccination Among Underserved Populations
HHS Office of Minority Health Will Offer Localities Funding to Partner with Community Organizations to Connect Minority, Underserved Populations with Vital Services, Promote Pandemic Safety Measures As part of President …
COVID-19 Vaccines and Monoclonal Antibody Infusion: Enforcement Discretion Relating to SNF Consolidated Billing
To facilitate the efficient administration of COVID-19 vaccines to Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) residents, CMS is exercising enforcement discretion with respect to statutory provisions requiring consolidated billing by SNFs as …
CMS Takes Further Steps to Ensure Medicare Beneficiaries Have Wide Access to COVID-19 Antibody Treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the investigational monoclonal antibody therapy, casirivimab and imdevimab, administered together, for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in …
CMS Policies Give Medicare Beneficiaries More Choices around Surgery
CMS Memo | December 3, 2020 – Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is finalizing policy changes that will give Medicare patients and their doctors greater choices …
CMS Policies Give Medicare Beneficiaries More Choices around Surgery Read More »
Finalized Permanent Expansion of Medicare Telehealth Services and Improved Payment for Time Doctors Spend with Patients
CMS Memo | December 1, 2020 – Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the annual Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule, prioritizing CMS’ investment in primary …
HHS/ASPR Training to Help Older Adults During a Disaster
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) developed the Addressing the Needs of Older Adults in Disasters web-based training. HHS/ASPR …
HHS/ASPR Training to Help Older Adults During a Disaster Read More »
Behavioral Health Resources for Indian Country
For more resources on supporting the behavioral health of elders and Indian Country as a whole, explore the new CMS Tribal Behavioral Health. Who is it for? This site is …
CMS Comprehensive Strategy: Enhance Hospital Capacity Amid COVID-19 Surge
Agency outlines flexibilities to maximize Acute Hospital Care at Home, Ambulatory Surgical Centers to decompress hospitals treating COVID-19 patients CMS Memo | November 25, 2020 – Today, the Centers for …
CMS Comprehensive Strategy: Enhance Hospital Capacity Amid COVID-19 Surge Read More »
CMS Request for Application: Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Initiative
CMS is announcing the Request for Application (RFA) open period (November 19, 2020 to January 3, 2021) for the Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (ViT) Initiative The Centers for …
CMS Request for Application: Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Initiative Read More »
CMS Will Retire the Original Compare Tools on December 1
CMS will retire the original Compare Tools on December 1. Use Medicare.gov’s Care Compare to find and compare health care providers. In early September, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid …
CMS Will Retire the Original Compare Tools on December 1 Read More »
CMS Releases Toolkit to Accelerate State Efforts to Rebalance Long-term Care Systems and Enhance Home and Community-Based Services for Eligible Medicaid Beneficiaries
The Trump Administration and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are delivering on their commitment to foster innovation in Medicaid by providing states with new tools to help beneficiaries …
IPRO to Provide Hospital Quality Improvement Services for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Lake Success, NY, October 19, 2020 – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has awarded a four-year contract to IPRO to serve as a Hospital Quality Improvement Contractor …
CMS Releases Long-Term Care Hospital Quality Reporting Program Web-Based Training
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a web-based training course for those who are new to the Long-Term Care Hospital (LTCH) Quality Reporting Program (QRP). This …
CMS Releases Long-Term Care Hospital Quality Reporting Program Web-Based Training Read More »
CMS Releases Interim Final Rule, Reporting Requirements Updates, and Additional Policy and Regulatory Revisions
August 26, 2020 – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is committed to taking critical steps to ensure America’s healthcare facilities are prepared to respond to the Coronavirus …
CMS Releases FAQs on MDPP Public Health Emergency Flexibilities
Do you have questions about the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) Expanded Model Public Health Emergency (PHE) Flexibilities? The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released Frequently Asked …
CMS Releases FAQs on MDPP Public Health Emergency Flexibilities Read More »
CMS Announces Resumption of Routine Inspections of All Provider and Suppliers, Issues Updated Enforcement Guidance to States, and Posts Toolkit to Assist Nursing Homes
Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will resume routine inspections of all Medicare and Medicaid certified providers and suppliers to improve the safety and quality …
CMS Updates Medicare Payment Policies for Several Types of Healthcare Providers
Three final rules will strengthen Medicare program July 31, 2020 – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is finalizing three Medicare payment rules that further advance our efforts …
CMS Updates Medicare Payment Policies for Several Types of Healthcare Providers Read More »
OCR Issues Guidance on Civil Rights Protections Prohibiting Race, Color, and National Origin Discrimination During COVID-19
Today, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is issuing guidance to ensure that recipients of federal financial assistance understand that …
Updated eCQM Specifications and eCQM Materials for 2021 Reporting Now Available
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted the electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM) specifications for the 2021 reporting period for eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals, and …
Updated eCQM Specifications and eCQM Materials for 2021 Reporting Now Available Read More »
FAQs: Medicare FFS Billing
Several changes in the IFC allow additional Medicare payment; CMS has issued FAQs addressing Medicare Fee-for-Service Billing issues. The FAQs in this document supplement the following previously released FAQs: 1135 …
Updated Guidance Available for Plan Issuers on Prior Authorization, CARES Act Implementation
CMS issued guidance to issuers of individual, small group, Medicare Advantage, and Part D plans, addressing the flexibilities available related to utilization management and prior authorization during the COVID-19 public …
CMS Issues Fiscal Year 2021 Proposed Medicare Payment and Policy Changes
Fiscal Year 2021 Hospice Payment Rate Update Proposed Rule (CMS-1733-P) Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule (CMS-1733-P) that would update fiscal year (FY) …
CMS Issues Fiscal Year 2021 Proposed Medicare Payment and Policy Changes Read More »
Helping families cope with COVID-19 outbreaks
The worldwide spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought unprecedented challenges. Given the resulting disruptions to daily life, helping children cope with stress can be especially difficult. Implementation of …
CMS Approves Over $51 Billion for Providers with the Accelerated/Advance Payment Program for Medicare Providers in One Week
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has delivered near $34 billion in the past week to the healthcare providers on the frontlines battling the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). …
2021 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement
Fact Sheet Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the Calendar Year (CY) 2021 Rate Announcement, finalizing Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D payment methodologies for CY …
2021 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement Read More »
Summary of Recent CMS Actions
Here is a summary of recent CMS actions taken in response to the COVID-19 virus, as part of the ongoing White House Task Force efforts. To keep up with the …
CMS Announces Relief for Clinicians, Providers, Hospitals and Facilities Participating in Quality Reporting Programs in Response to COVID-19 Mar 22, 2020 Data Hospitals Quality
March 22 – the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced unprecedented relief for the clinicians, providers, and facilities participating in Medicare quality reporting programs including the 1.2 million …