In This Issue:

- CMS takes Another Swipe at Costs through DME Prior Authorization Demos

- Implementation of the Affordable Care Act

- Other Federal Regulatory Initiatives

- Other Congressional and State Initiatives

- Other Health Care News

- Upcoming Hearings and Markups

- Excerpt from CMS takes Another Swipe at Costs through DME Prior Authorization Demos:

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced last week an expansion of the prior authorization for power mobility devices demonstration to an additional 12 states. CMS will also institute prior authorization demonstrations for hyperbaric oxygen therapy and scheduled non-emergency ambulance trips. The agency released a proposed rule on Thursday, May 22nd, that would establish a prior authorization process for certain durable medical equipment prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies items that are considered by the agency to be frequently subject to unnecessary utilization. CMS is soliciting public comments on the proposed prior authorization process, as well as criteria for establishing a list of durable medical items that should be subject to the new prior authorization process. The deadline to submit comments is July 28, 2014.