What’s happening: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has outlined its schedule for issuing “catch-up” payments to hospitals in December, reflecting congressional action that delayed pending cuts to disproportionate share hospitals (DSHs).
What’s happening: On Nov. 14, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued preliminary guidance on new federal requirements for Medicaid health care-related taxes (i.e., provider taxes) included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
What’s happening: Last week, the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) released updated critical care and specialty program regulations.
What’s happening: Last week, the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) presented at the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Health, sharing its perspective on how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will impact California. The LAO stressed the need for legislative oversight and possible policy action to minimize harm, and urged lawmakers to keep long-term system impacts and health equity at the forefront of their decision-making.
What’s happening: A bill passed earlier this year reaffirms existing protections related to immigration enforcement action at California hospitals. CHA has released a hospital compliance primer with more details, including steps hospitals should take to demonstrate their compliance with the new law.
What’s happening: A proposed rule released this week by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would rescind a 2022 final rule that prevented immigration officers from denying immigrants’ applications for permanent residency if the applicant had received, or was expected to receive, certain public benefits — including most Medicaid benefits.
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) now considers homelessness a “complication or comorbidity,” acknowledging the increased care resources this population requires. This acknowledgement signals potential Medicare reimbursement changes in the future.
What’s happening: CHA has submitted additional comments to the Respiratory Care Board of California (RCB) regarding new regulations that restrict the tasks licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) may perform, therefore limiting hospitals’ and other care providers’ ability to meet their patients’ needs.
What’s happening: On Nov. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (PT), the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will host a virtual workshop to discuss the development of the California Corporate Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program and the Climate-Related Financial Risk Disclosure Program.
What’s happening: Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), chair of the Assembly Health Committee, this week launched a series of statewide roundtable discussions to hear from health care providers that serve a high volume of Medi-Cal patients.