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What We're Reading: MA Plans Overbill; Biden Cancer Initiative Suspends Activities; CMS to Cover Some Acupuncture
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have overbilled the government by nearly $30 billion the past 3 years alone, and CMS said it is moving forward with plans to attempt to get back $1 billion; the Biden Cancer Initiative is suspending operations while its founder, former Vice President Joe Biden, runs for president; CMS said Medicare will cover acupuncture for some patients with chronic low back pain.
CMS Seeks to Recoup $1 Billion From $30 Billion in Overpayments to MA Plans
Medicare Advantage plans have overbilled the government by nearly $30 billion the past 3 years alone, and CMS said it is moving forward with plans to attempt to get back $1 billion by 2020 from the private insurance plans, Kaiser Health News reported. The insurance industry is opposing the enhanced audits.
Biden Cancer Initiative Suspends Operations During Joe Biden's Presidential Campaign
The Biden Cancer Initiative is suspending operations while its founder, former Vice President Joe Biden, runs for president. The Hill reported that Greg Simon, president of the Biden Cancer Initiative, said the organization is “suspending activities given our unique circumstances.” The organization was launched in 2017 as an offshoot of the Obama administration's Cancer Moonshot program.
Medicare to Pay for Some Acupuncture for Low Back Pain
CMS said Medicare will cover acupuncture for patients with chronic low back pain enrolled in research to see if the treatment is effective. The proposal is part of the government’s effort to develop alternatives to opioids for pain. Eligible studies must be sponsored by the National Institutes of Health or approved by CMS.
Commonwealth Fund Report Details Pervasive Racial and Ethnic Disparities in US Health Care, Outcomes
April 18th 2024Using 25 health system performance indicators, the Commonwealth Fund 2024 State Health Disparities Report evaluated racial and ethnic disparities in health care and health outcomes both within and across US states and highlighted the urgent need for equitable health care policies and practices in the US.
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Overcoming Employment Barriers for Lasting Social Impact: Freedom House 2.0 and Pathways to Work
April 16th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our second episode, in which we learn all about Freedom House 2.0 and the Pathways to Work program.
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Making Giant Strides in Maternity Health Through Baby Steps
April 9th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are kicking off a special month-long podcast series with our strategic alliance partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our first episode, which is all about the Baby Steps Maternity Program and its mission to support women throughout every step of their pregnancy journey.
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Study Links COVID-19 Pandemic to Rise in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer in US
April 17th 2024There was greater use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy among US patients with ovarian cancer (OC) during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce potential COVID-19 exposure and cancer treatment-related complications.
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Beyond Insulin: The Impact of Next-Generation Diabetes Technology
April 17th 2024Experts explain how new diabetes technologies like continuous glucose monitors are transforming care beyond intensive insulin therapy, offering personalized insights and improving outcomes for patients of all treatment levels.
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