The newsroom includes access to CHA News, which provides timely information to members every Thursday and is at the core of CHA benefits. In addition, it is also home to resources such as toolkits and talking points designed to help member hospitals and health systems communicate with internal and external audiences on a range of current health care-related issues. Links to CHA media statements and press releases can also be found here.
Newsroom
CMS Issues Updated Medicare Advantage Complaint Form
What’s happening: As previously reported, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed a process that allows providers to submit questions and complaints related to Medicare Advantage (MA) plan appeals or claims payment issues.
What else to know: The form serves as a mechanism for Medicare providers seeking CMS assistance to resolve specific MA claims issues; CMS will enter complete complaint forms into the complaints tracking module and direct the MA to investigate the case.
CMS Issues Report on Acute Hospital Care at Home
What’s happening: As required by the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a report on several aspects of the Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCaH) initiative, which provided waivers that allowed individual hospitals to give inpatient-level care in the home environment.
What else to know: The waiver program launched during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), and the CAA extended it beyond the PHE’s end, allowing it to continue through Dec. 31 of this year.
Registration Is Open for 2024 CDPH Leadership Updates and District Sessions
Prop 35 Campaign Releases Hospital-Specific Social Media Toolkit
What’s happening: The election is 24 days away, and every vote is critical — help spread the word to vote yes on Proposition (Prop) 35 with the new Prop 35 Social Media Toolkit for Hospitals.
What else to know: Hospitals that aren’t yet members of the coalition supporting Prop 35 — which would make permanent an existing fee on managed care organizations that enables the state to draw on federal matching funds to improve Medi-Cal — can still join.
CHA Pushes Back on Misleading Information Shared at August OHCA Board Meeting
What’s happening: CHA has submitted a letter to the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA), setting the record straight on misleading, incomplete information shared during the OHCA board’s August meeting in Monterey.
What else to know: CHA’s letter also urges OHCA to renew its commitment to inclusivity and balance in the issues, perspectives, and information it explores in the future.
CHA Presses Quality, Access, Equity Perspective During Capitol Weekly Panel on OHCA
What’s happening: During a panel discussion last week, CHA shared hospital perspectives on how the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) can make care more affordable while protecting access to high-quality, equitable care.
What else to know: CHA participated in a four-person panel on OHCA hosted by Capitol Weekly during the publication’s annual conference focused on health care.
CMS Issues Annual Data Submission Requirements for MA Plans
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued detailed information about data collection and audit procedures for Medicare Advantage (MA) (Part C) plans.
What else to know: The information will allow CMS to conduct a comprehensive review of plan compliance with utilization management requirements, including new requirements on development, appropriateness, and public accessibility of internal coverage criteria.
CHA Responds to Nationwide IV Fluid Shortage
What’s happening: On Oct. 3, CHA informed members of an IV fluid shortage due to the temporary closure of Baxter International’s North Carolina plant, which supplies 60% of the country’s IV solutions. The facility was damaged by flooding from Hurricane Helene.
What else to know: The update from CHA includes guidance for hospitals to mitigate the impact of the IV shortage.
Johnson & Johnson Halts Proposed 340B Rebate Model
What’s happening: Johnson & Johnson will stop its plan that would have required hospitals participating in the 340B drug discount program to purchase Stelara and Xarelto at full price and apply for a rebate instead of receiving full discounts upfront.
What else to know: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) notified J&J it would be kicked out of the 340B Drug Pricing Program if it did not halt implementation.
CMS Discontinues Low-Wage Index Policy for FFY 2025
What’s happening: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has eliminated its low-wage index hospital policy for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2025.
What else to know: CHA has supported a legal challenge to this policy on behalf of member hospitals since FFY 2020.
