U.S. Reps. Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Pat Tiberi (R-OH) applauded the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recent release of payment and policy updates for hospital admissions in 2018.
The Inpatient Prospective Payment System and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System are released annually. Under the proposed payment rule, hospitals would see an estimated 2.9 percent increase in inpatient operating prospective payments in 2018.
The proposed rule includes provisions from the 21st Century Cures Act that was signed into law last year and House Republicans’ “Better Way” policy agenda, including the collection of S-10 data, which is a form hospitals submit on their uncompensated care to patients, to ensure more equitable reimbursements.
“I’m pleased to see the Trump administration move forward with many of the policies in the 21st Century Cures Act that will deliver much-needed regulatory relief to hospitals and other health care providers,” Brady, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said.
“In addition to reducing red tape and increasing flexibility, this rule advances our ‘Better Way’ proposals that will help strengthen the Medicare program. These are important steps that will improve access to quality, affordable care — especially for our seniors and most vulnerable patients. I look forward to further reviewing CMS’ proposal and working with the administration to preserve this critical program and help hospitals better serve the people in our communities,” Brady added.
The proposed rule focuses on addressing regulatory burdens for medical providers, strengthening patient-doctor relationships, and promoting transparency, flexibility and innovation in care delivery.
“This rule will help provide the flexibility hospitals need to treat some of our sickest patients,” Tiberi, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, said. “I am grateful that CMS built off of the provision I championed in the 21st Century Cures Act to further delay the so-called ‘25-percent rule’ for Long-Term Care Hospitals (LTCHs). This action will help ensure those suffering from severe illnesses and injuries have access to the care they need.”
CMS also released a request for information to glean additional ideas for regulatory, policy, practice, and procedural changes that could help realize its goals to boost transparency, flexibility, simplification and innovation. CMS will accept comments until June 13 and the final regulation will be posted no later than Aug. 1.
“Through this proposed rule we want to reduce burdens for hospitals so they can focus on providing high quality care for patients,” CMS Administrator Seema Verma said. “Medicare is better able to support the work of dedicated hospitals and clinicians who provide the care that people need with these more flexible and simplified approaches.”