Dive Brief: Allowed in-network charges for fixed-wing air ambulances rose 76% between 2017 and 2020, and now top $ 15,000, a new study by Fair Health found. The average charge rose 27.6% during the same time period, to more than $ 24,500 from little more than $ 19,200. For helicopter transports, the average allowed charge… Read More »
Dive Brief: CMS is planning to scrap its contentious breakthrough payment rule after concluding it is not in the best interest of Medicare beneficiaries. The Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology (MCIT) pathway would have allowed medtech companies to secure near-automatic coverage for a period of four years with an FDA breakthrough device designation. However, after… Read More »
The FDA’s approval of the first therapy to treat Alzheimer’s Disease in over twenty years brought attention to a not-yet-convened debate of U.S. health care costs and spending, innovation, and return-on-the-investment (as well as “for whom” do the returns accrue). In my latest post for Medecision, I explore different angles on the Aduhelm and Alzheimer’s… Read More »
Congress.gov: “H.R.1978 — Protecting Seniors Through Immunization Act of 2021,” “S.912 — Protecting Seniors Through Immunization Act of 2021.” EnergyCommerceHouse.gov: “L.J. Tan, MS, PhD, Chief Strategy Officer, Immunization Action Coalition, Testimony Before the House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Health.” Avalere: “Medicare Part D Plans Continue to Require Cost Sharing for Vaccines.” Immunization Action… Read More »
Dive Brief: The HHS Office of Inspector General has found Medicare lacks consistent cybersecurity oversight of networked medical devices in hospitals. Without proper cybersecurity controls, these devices can be compromised with the potential for patient harm, according to OIG. CMS’ survey protocol is devoid of requirements for networked device cybersecurity. OIG’s review revealed Medicare accreditation… Read More »
More than two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries find their insurance confusing and difficult to understand, according to a recent survey by MedicareAdvantage.com, which also revealed that many don’t grasp basic insurance terminology. The study sample included 1,000 respondents enrolled in Medicare and took place over August 17 to 19. Participants were quizzed about topics ranging from… Read More »