Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many California hospitals’ financial situations were challenging — nearly 40% operated in the red. Hospitals strive to contain costs while delivering essential care to their communities in the most cost-effective manner. CHA provides direction to hospitals on the diverse issues that affect their financial performance, and advocates for them to ensure that much-needed programs retain their funding. In addition, CHA offers tools such as DataSuite to help hospitals analyze government reimbursement changes, and the potential impact of regulatory and legislative actions on hospitals.
About Finance & Reimbursement
Webinar Will Detail Updates to the Provider Relief Fund
On Sept. 10, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it will make available $25.5 billion in additional COVID-19 Provider Relief Funds. To detail the updates to the fund, CHA will host a complimentary, members-only webinar on Sept. 27 from 9 to 10 a.m. (PT).
CHA Issues Summary of FFY 2022 Long-Term Care Hospital PPS Final Rule
CHA has issued a members-only summary, prepared by Health Policy Alternatives, Inc., of the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2022 long-term care hospital (LTCH) prospective payment system final rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The policy and payment provisions in the final rule are effective for FFY 2022 discharges, beginning Oct. 1.
CMS to Rescind Prior Audit Denials for Mid-Build Exceptions
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it is rescinding prior audit denials for hospitals that failed to qualify for the “mid-build exception” to the site-neutral payment policy. CMS will review each previously failing provider’s audit findings for compliance with statutory requirements, as well as for accuracy and completeness.
CHA Issues Draft Comments on CY 2022 Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule
CHA has issued a members-only copy of draft comments on the calendar year (CY) 2022 outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) proposed rule. CHA encourages members to use the draft as a template for their own comments, which are due to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) by 2 p.m. (PT) on Sept. 17.
CMS Issues No Surprises Act Enforcement Provisions Proposed Rule
On Sept. 10, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule detailing the enforcement provisions related to the No Surprises Act (NSA). The proposed rule:
DHCS Releases Hospital-Directed Payment Encounter Data Sets
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has released three new hospital-directed payment data sets, available via the Secure File Transfer Protocol site (the site is only intended for file transfers, and uploaded files will be deleted within 45 days).
HHS Announces $25.5 Billion in COVID-19 Relief Funding for Providers
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it will make available $25.5 billion in additional COVID-19 relief funding. The application portal for the additional funding will open on Sept. 29. Additionally, the agency also announced a 60-day grace period for Reporting Period 1 and provided initial details on the Phase 3 […]
CHA Comments on CY 2022 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
CHA submitted comments on the calendar year (CY) 2022 physician fee schedule proposed rule. In the letter, CHA: Urges CMS to work with Congress to address significant payment reductions to the proposed conversion factor and physician payments Urges CMS to continue to support the expansion of telehealth by finalizing proposals to maintain Category 3 telehealth services until the end of CY […]
Provider Relief Fund Audits to Start After Sept. 30
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued contracts to several firms to audit federal financial assistance sent to providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CHA Comments on No Surprises Act Regulation
CHA submitted comments on the interim final rule with comment period implementing the No Surprises Act. In the letter, while CHA supports efforts to reduce patients’ out-of-pocket costs for health care, CHA raises a number of concerns with provisions of the interim final rule, including the qualified payment amount calculation and notice and consent process. Additionally, CHA asks the tri-agencies to protect patients from confusion and consumers from higher premiums — resulting from […]