Last week, Joe Baker, president of the Medicare Rights Center, sent a letter to the leaders of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, Chairman Orrin Hatch and Ranking Member Ron Wyden expressing support for a proposal to close a loophole in physician self-referral policies. The Ethics in Patient Referrals Act (the Act) prohibits certain types of referrals, specifically ones where the referring doctor owns or has an interest in the provider who administers the referred service. The Act includes exceptions for certain services, including those that could be provided by a physician while the patient is present for the initial visit to aid in diagnosis and minimize delays.

As the comment period closes on a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposal to test new payment strategies for Medicare Part B prescription drugs, 25 organizations representing people with Medicare, health plans, and health care professionals are voicing their strong support for the model. The proposal presents an opportunity to improve health care quality and value for people with Medicare and also support providers in delivering the right care at the right time.

Last week, the President proclaimed May 2016 as Older Americans Month. Celebrating the achievements, unique knowledge, and contributions of older Americans, the proclamation shows appreciation for the many kinds of work that older adults do for our country.

A new video clip by the Department of Health and Human Services explains how many doctors’ practices are currently paid by the government for the treatment they provide, and highlights the new payment models and initiatives to encourage healthier outcomes for patients. Called the Quality Payment Program, the federal government […]