Healthcare News of Note: Payers push back on CMS prior-authorization rule
Healthcare News of Note for healthcare finance professionals is a roundup of articles from the past week, including why payers are pushing back on the prior-authorization rule and information on HHS funding to support the nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Appeals court rejects hospitals’ objections to new price transparency policy
An appeals court panel rejected hospitals’ effort to halt the Jan. 1 requirement for hospitals to begin posting the rates they negotiate with health plans.
Hospitals seek reversals of Trump policies, among various requests of Biden
Hospitals are urging a range of policy changes, including halting the new price transparency rules, by the incoming Biden administration.
CMS warns a common hospital price transparency approach is noncompliant with new requirements
Many hospitals are using a rate-averaging approach to meet transparency requirements, which CMS recently deemed noncompliant.
CMS plans aggressive price transparency enforcement while hospitals urge a halt to the new rules
CMS plans aggressive enforcement of the looming hospital price transparency requirements, as hospitals urge judicial and Biden administration interventions.
Congress passes funding compromise with only $3 billion in provider aid
A final federal spending and coronavirus relief package includes big wins and losses for hospital finances.
Provider responses to prospective compromise on surprise billing range from concerns to opposition
Congressional healthcare committees are urging leaders to include a “compromise” on surprise medical bills in year-end legislation, but providers are worried about it.
HHS starts distribution of $24 billion more in COVID grants but rejects one-third of applicants
More than 70,000 providers will share in the latest round of Provider Relief Fund grants, which total $24.5 billion.
Amid some resistance by healthcare workers, COVID-19 vaccine delivery continues to roll out
Amid the early rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, provider organizations are urging reluctant clinicians and other employees to take the inoculation.
Hospitals begin to receive first doses of COVID-19 vaccines
Hospitals and other providers that were prioritized in state COVID-19 vaccine distribution plans have begun to receive and administer their first doses.