News Briefs
U.S. to Accelerate Medicare Payments in Wake of Cyberattack
The U.S. government said it will accelerate Medicare and Medicaid payments to some hospitals hurt by a hack at insurer UnitedHealth's technology unit Change Healthcare. The cyberattack on Change, disclosed on February 21, was perpetrated by hackers who identified themselves as the “Blackcat” ransomware group and has had a knock-on effect on players across the U.S. healthcare system.
(Source: Reuters, 2024-03-06)
READ MORE >
Health Organizations Reported Most Ransomware Attacks Last Year
Healthcare organizations last year reported the most ransomware attacks of the 16 industries identified as critical U.S. infrastructure, according to a new FBI report on internet crime. Healthcare and public health organizations made up the highest number of ransomware attacks in the U.S. with 249 reported last year, per the report.
(Source: Axios, 2024-03-11)
READ MORE >
Local Pharmacies Struggle to Survive as PBMs Still Powerful
As private insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) continue to drive increases in drug pricing -- leaving smaller, local pharmacies behind -- politicians and independent pharmacists have been working to hold industry giants accountable. However, the power remains in the hands of PBMs as local pharmacies scramble to make ends meet amidst rising costs and failures to pass legislation.
(Source: Drug Topics, 2024-03-07)
READ MORE >
Drug Companies Respond to Price Negotiations with Counteroffers
All manufacturers participating in the first cycle of Medicare drug price negotiations have responded with counteroffers, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. The news comes after HHS sent initial offers on February 1, as the agency was empowered to do by the Inflation Reduction Act, the White House's attempt at lowering drug costs.
(Source: Healthcare Finance News, 2024-03-05)
READ MORE >
Regulators Investigating P.E. Firms' Ownership in Healthcare
Federal regulators have launched an investigation into private equity firms' and other corporate owners' increasing influence over healthcare. The Federal Trade Commission, Justice Department, and the HHS issued a request for public comment to understand how P.E. firms and other asset managers might prioritize profits from acquisitions over patient care quality, worker safety, and the affordability of healthcare services.
(Source: Healthcare Dive, 2024-03-06)
READ MORE >
Stronger Regulation in Hospice Industry Slows M&A Transactions
Tightened regulation in the hospice space has led to longer, more stringent diligence processes when it comes to buying and selling provider companies. Moreover, many hospices have been the subject of audits by various Medicare contractors, activity that shows no signs of slowing.
(Source: Hospice News, 2024-03-08)
READ MORE >
Committee Votes to Ban CMS From Finalizing Minimum Staffing Rule
The House Ways and Means Committee issued the latest blow to President Joe Biden's controversial plan to shore up staffing in America's skilled nursing facilities, voting 26-17 to bar the CMS from finalizing its controversial staffing minimums rule. The specific policy, unveiled in September, would be the first federal law of its kind and would require nursing homes to provide three hours of care per resident, per day, with 0.55 hours coming from registered nurses.
(Source: Healthcare Dive, 2024-03-07)
READ MORE >
Lawmakers Introduce Scaled Back Version of SENIOR Act
U.S. Reps. Lori Trahan (D-MA) and Brian Fitpatrick (R-PA) introduced a scaled back Safeguarding Elderly Needs through Innovation & Occupational Resources Act (SENIOR Act). Key provisions include a cost-reduction program to make assisted living more affordable for lower-income older adults and workforce training programs.
(Source: McKnight's Senior Living, 2024-03-11)
READ MORE >
Congress Considering Bill to Re-Allocate Federal Hospice Funds
A new legislative package winding its way through Congress could re-allocate hospice funds to other programs. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, LeadingAge, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice, and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation have been in communication with lawmakers in hopes of keeping the funds within the hospice program.
(Source: Hospice News, 2024-03-06)
READ MORE >
Areas with Primary Care Shortages Have More Emergency Surgeries
Rates of emergency surgery, serious complications, and hospital readmissions were higher among Medicare patients living in primary care shortage areas, according to a cross-sectional retrospective cohort study of data from 2015 to 2019. Medicare beneficiaries living in areas with the most severe primary care shortages had higher rates of three types of emergency surgeries compared with those living in areas with the least severe shortages, reported Sara Schaefer, MD, of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and co-authors.
(Source: MedPage Today, 2024-03-05)
READ MORE >
