CMS is moving forward with its plan to drastically cut payments for drugs acquired through the 340B drug discount program, according to the 2018 OPPS final rule, released in November.
CMS’ policy in the 2018 OPPS final rule to cut reimbursement for drugs purchased through the 340B drug discount program by nearly 30%, accounting for the decrease from average sales price plus 6% to minus 22.5%, is getting a lot of attention from the provider community—and with good reason.
The overall monthly national healthcare spending rate modestly increased 4.3% from August 2016 to August 2017, with a notable increase in home health spending, according to a brief from Altarum’s Center for Sustainable Health Spending.
This week’s Medicare updates include the announcement of the Part A and Part B premiums and deductibles for 2018, clarification on new Conditions of Participation regarding home health agency subunits, a proposed decision memo on conditions of coverage for implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and more!
