Policy Updates Archives - Page 43 of 49 - Becker's Payer Issues

The White House wants CMS and private insurers to address food insecurity: 5 things to know

The Biden Administration unveiled a five-point plan to address hunger, nutrition and health Sept. 27. The White House wants Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers to play a role in solving food insecurity and food related illness. Here are five things…

How the pandemic shaped BCBS North Carolina's new telehealth policy

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is expanding its telehealth policy to include more services based on two years of telehealth claims data from the COVID-19 pandemic released Sept. 20.

Aetna: Aduhelm is medically necessary

Aetna considers Aduhelm to be medically necessary and said Sept. 13 it will cover the controversial Alzheimer's drug if certain criteria are met.

CMS: COVID-19 vaccines, including updated boosters, still free

Updated COVID-19 boosters designed to target the omicron variant will be provided at no cost, regardless of insurance status, CMS said Sept. 12.

Postpartum Medicaid coverage to expand in West Virginia, Indiana

CMS approved extending Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program coverage for a full year after pregnancy for women in Indiana and West Virginia.

Federal judge awards partial victory to ACA opponents, rules against HIV drug coverage

A federal judge in Texas awarded a partial victory Sept. 7 to opponents of the ACA who challenged a key provision that requires payers and employers to cover preventive services.

Biden administration proposes rule to overhaul Medicaid, CHIP enrollment process

The Biden-Harris Administration proposed a new CMS rule Aug. 31 to overhaul the enrollment processes for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Basic Health Programs.

Lawmaker investigating Medicare Advantage marketing tactics

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden has launched a probe into potentially deceptive marketing tactics used by Medicare Advantage plans.

Inflation Reduction Act may help ease payers' Medicaid losses if public health emergency ends, Fitch says

Payers with large Medicaid operations are expected to face negative pressure on revenues if the federal public health emergency ends in October, but the total impact on profits is likely to be small because of coverage alternatives offered by the…

Massachusetts governor signs law to overhaul mental health coverage, reform prior authorization

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed legislation Aug. 10 that overhauls the state's mental/behavioral healthcare delivery system and reforms prior authorization practices within the specialty.