CHA News

CHA Comments on Medicare Advantage Proposals for 2026

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What’s happening: CHA submitted comments in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed policy and technical changes to Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D programs for contract year 2026.   

What else to know: Finalization of the proposed rule is expected in April — in time for MA plans to bid to CMS and offer MA products for plan year 2026. The rule, once finalized, will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.  

Immigration, Citizenship Orders Do Not Alter Patient Privacy Protections

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A recent presidential executive order related to birthright citizenship (which has been temporarily blocked by a federal court) and a directive to remove a layer of protection for certain locations (including schools, churches, and hospitals) from immigration enforcement have raised many questions about the appropriate response and requirements for hospitals. 

Health Facilities Must Work With College Nursing Programs on Clinical Placements

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What’s happening: Effective Jan. 1, Assembly Bill (AB) 1577 (2024) added Section 12775 to the Health and Safety Code, requiring health facilities and clinics to meet with a community college or California State University that has an approved school of nursing upon the college’s request and work in good faith to meet the nursing program’s clinical placement needs.  

What else to know: Beginning in 2026, if a health facility or clinic lacks the capability or capacity to meet the college’s needs, the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) will require written justification within 30 days of the meeting, subject to a $1,000 fine for failure to provide the justification. 

Judge to Hear Anthem’s Motions in CHA Lawsuit on Jan. 27

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What’s happening: A Los Angeles Superior Court judge will hear two motions by Anthem Blue Cross on Jan. 27 to dismiss CHA’s lawsuit and strike requested remedies. In the lawsuit, CHA claims Anthem failed to provide timely post-hospital care for its members.  

CDPH Issues Regulatory Relief Instructions for Hospitals Impacted by Los Angeles Fires

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What’s happening: On Jan. 21, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released two All Facilities Letters (AFLs), AFL 25-02 and AFL 25-03, intended for hospitals and skilled-nursing facilities (SNFs) impacted by the Los Angeles fires.  

What else to know: The AFLs issue instructions for regulatory relief and explain the process for program flexes, including staffing waiver requests. 

CMS Provides Additional Guidance on Beneficiary Observation Status Appeals

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What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued additional information, including billing instructions, for the Medicare Change of Status Notifications (MCSN).   

What else to know: Beginning Feb. 14, CMS will require giving MCSNs to patients who are reclassified from inpatient to observation (outpatient) status.   

Additional Participation Information Now Available on Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement

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What’s happening: With additional information available on the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) antitrust claims settlement process, hospitals will benefit from reviewing the recent BCBS antitrust settlement agreement’s potential impact with their legal counsel, including whether to remain in or opt out of the settlement.