CMS Summary (November 29, 2024)

Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) offers an at-a-glance summary of news from across the agency.

CMS publishes incorrect fiscal year 2024 payment data for all programs

November 15: Consistent with its commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources and promoting the sustainability of its programs, CMS released fiscal year 2024 improper payment data for Medicare (fee-for-service, Part C and Part D), Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program and the advance payment of premium tax credits for the Federally Facilitated Health Insurance Exchange. While reporting improper payments is intended to protect the integrity of CMS programs, not all improper payments are the result of fraud or abuse – they may be overpayments, underpayments, or payments where insufficient information was provided to determine whether a payment was correct. You can find information about this here Fact sheet and in the HHS Agency 2024 Financial Report.

CMS infographic highlights internet access and usage by people with Medicare

November 15: In celebration of National Rural Health Day, CMS released a Infographic Highlighting information on Internet access and use among Medicare recipients by metropolitan residency status. CMS has also been updated Data on Internet access and use among people with Medicare, with data for 2023 and an annual data update sociodemographic and health characteristics of people with Medicare by residency status in major cities, with data for 2022.

CMS updates guidance for nursing home assessors to strengthen the quality of care in nursing homes

November 18: CMS released revised instructions for assessors in nursing homes. The revised guidelines include updates in several areas, including procedures related to the admission, transfer and discharge of residents, the elimination of unnecessary use of psychotropic medications and chemical restrictions, compliance with regulations related to the use of the Payroll-Based Journal for the Reporting on nurse staffing levels and definitions of pain levels and treatment, as well as other topics. These revisions are intended to ensure that the guidelines continue to meet current standards of practice and reflect the changing needs of residents.

CMS updates states’ Medicaid coverage provisions for substance use disorder treatment

November 19: CMS appoints state Medicaid director letter At issue are the expansion of Medicaid coverage of substance use disorder treatment services, the permanence of mandatory Medicaid benefits for medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder, and the provision of medical assistance to certain individuals who are patients in appropriate inpatient facilities (known as ” IMDs”), in which Medicaid services are generally not otherwise covered.

CMS provides awards for Medicare-funded residency slots for hospitals in medically underserved areas

November 21: CMS released Awards for Graduate Medical Education (GME) residency slots. as authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2021. This is the third round of the 1,000 new Medicare-funded medical residency positions to be phased in to no more than 200 positions per year beginning in fiscal year 2023 under Section 126 of the CAA. The law requires that the third round of 200 assistantships be announced no later than January 31, 2025 and come into force on July 1, 2025. In Round 3, 206 hospitals applied for the 200 available places. Places will be allocated to 109 hospitals based on prioritization of areas of health professional shortage (HPSA) and other criteria. Further information about the program can be found here Here.

CMS Hosts Virtual Conference on Optimizing Health Care to Improve Patient Lives

November 21: CMS published this agenda for the 2024 Conference on Optimizing Healthcare to Improve Patient Lives, taking place on December 12, 2024. This virtual conference will explore innovative ideas, lessons learned and best practices that strengthen patient healthcare and access to quality care, reducing administrative burdens impacting patients and healthcare professionals. Registration is still possible, information about the conference can be found here Here.

CMS publishes the list of 2024 measures under consideration for adoption by Medicare rulemaking

November 25, 2024: As required by law, CMS published the List of Measures Considered (MUC) for 2024. One hundred percent of the 41 measures on the list use digital data sources, which drives development CMS National Quality Strategy The aim is to give priority to the development of interoperable and digital quality measures. In addition, 37% of interventions address person-centred care with the aim of improving the health, wellbeing and overall care experience of the people we care for. CMS is making these measures publicly available to solicit input. Information about the process, including deadlines, can be found here Here.

Other current publications:

November 22nd: Over 496,000 new consumers have chosen affordable health insurance in the ACA Marketplace

November 26th: The Biden-Harris Administration announces prescription drug proposals such as Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D that aim to improve care and access for enrollees

November 26th: Biden-Harris Administration Finalizes New Model to Improve Access to Kidney Transplants

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CMS, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, serves the public as a trusted partner and steward committed to promoting health equity, expanding coverage, and improving health outcomes. The agency protects the public health by administering the Medicare program and working with state governments to administer Medicaid, CHIP, and the Health Insurance Marketplace.