The Reed Smith Health Industry Washington Watch blog has been updated to report on recent health policy developments, including the following:

  • Regulatory Developments. CMS has issued several final rules to update Medicare prospective payment systems (PPS) for FY 2015, including the Medicare inpatient PPS, the long-term care hospital PPS, the skilled nursing facility PPS, the inpatient rehabilitation facility PPS, the inpatient psychiatric facility PPS, and the hospice payment system. CMS is extending its current enrollment moratoria for new ground ambulance suppliers and home health agencies in designated areas. HHS has officially set October 1, 2015 as the date for ICD-10 implementation, and the IRS has issued ACA branded prescription drug fee regulations.
  • Other CMS Developments. CMS has revised Sunshine Act “Open Payments” system review and dispute deadlines amid concerns about data accuracy. Other CMS announcements involve innovative models for beneficiary engagement and behavioral insights, a Medicare Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG) demonstration, and the status of Recovery Audit Contractor reviews.
  • OIG & GAO Reports. Recent OIG reports have focused on utilization of HIV drugs under Medicare Part D and ACA Marketplace operations, and the OIG has posted guidance on its contractor self-disclosure program. GAO reports address federal program drug prices and Healtcare.gov contractor performance.
  • Legislative Developments. New health policy laws have been enacted and other bills are advancing through Congress, and the Ways and Means Committee is seeking comments on Medicare program integrity legislation.
  • Health Industry Events. CMS is hosting ICD-10-CM/PCS Coordination and Maintenance Committee meetings in September. FDA events will address 3-D printing of medical devices, implementation of Generic Drug User Fee Amendments, and biomarker development.
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