Search Results for keywords:"Centers for Medicare

The Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs has issued a final rule regarding the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA) and the authorization of coal mine operators as self-insurers. This rule updates the process for operators to apply for self-insurance, sets new standards for the amount of security required to self-insure, and clarifies the appeals process. The rule aims to better secure the Trust Fund that pays benefits when operators default, by requiring all self-insured operators to provide security equal to 100% of their projected black lung liabilities. These changes are intended to protect the Trust Fund from financial strain caused by bankruptcies and reduce administrative burdens.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to revise its Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). Key changes include redefining eligibility criteria, expanding definitions, and removing certain requirements like "need for supervision, protection, or instruction." The proposal aims to make the program more flexible during emergencies and ensure fairer stipend calculations based on the amount and degree of caregiving needed. Additionally, the proposal suggests extending the transition period for legacy applicants and participants to allow more time for reassessments under new criteria.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is planning to implement an information exchange system with Equifax, a payroll data provider. This system aims to improve the administration of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) by automatically receiving wage and employment data. This data will help ensure accurate benefit payments and prevent errors or delays. The SSA is seeking comments from the public on the specifics of this proposed system by February 18, 2021.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final rule aimed at increasing transparency and fairness in their civil enforcement actions. This rule ensures that individuals and companies receive clear notices about which laws and regulations apply to them and must be given a chance to respond before the agency takes any action with legal consequences. It also specifies that HHS cannot use guidance documents to impose binding requirements unless explicitly allowed by law and must rely on statutes and regulations when taking enforcement actions. The rule highlights the importance of fairness, especially avoiding "unfair surprise," and outlines how the Department should handle these processes to promote efficiency and clarity.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in collaboration with the Department of the Treasury, issued an interim final rule implementing amendments from the Economic Aid Act to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The rule extends the PPP, a program designed to provide financial aid to small businesses impacted by COVID-19, allowing them to apply for loans through March 31, 2021. It also includes updated guidelines for loan forgiveness, borrower and lender eligibility, and how loans can be used, with new rules for calculating maximum loan amounts and requirements for loan forgiveness applications. The Economic Aid Act amendments aim to streamline the application process and ensure fair access to the program for all eligible borrowers.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a final rule that modifies work requirements and exemptions for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in response to the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. This rule expands work requirements to include adults aged 50 to 54, but also provides new exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans, and young adults who have aged out of foster care. These changes are expected to affect federal spending and administrative processes while impacting SNAP eligibility for some participants. The rule will take effect on January 16, 2025, with certain provisions expiring on October 1, 2030.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed changes to the HIPAA Privacy Rule to improve care coordination and individual engagement. These changes aim to facilitate better communication among healthcare providers, payors, and individuals, reducing unnecessary barriers and maintaining patient privacy. The proposed modifications include new definitions for terms like "electronic health record" and adjustments to individual rights for accessing their health information. HHS seeks public comments on these proposals by March 22, 2021, to ensure that the regulations support the shift to value-based healthcare.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule detailing changes to regulations associated with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for the year 2026. This rule covers various elements such as payment parameters, risk adjustment programs, and changes to user fee rates for health plans offered through Exchanges. It also introduces modifications to how quality improvement and medical loss ratio reporting are managed, aiming to enhance health equity, reduce health disparities, and minimize the administrative burden on healthcare providers. These updates are part of ongoing efforts to ensure consumers have access to quality and affordable health coverage.

In a decision by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Dr. Michael W. Carlton's Certificate of Registration was revoked due to inappropriate prescribing practices. The DEA found that Dr. Carlton issued 40 prescriptions for controlled substances without establishing a proper doctor-patient relationship and without conducting necessary physical exams, which violated federal and Arizona state laws. Dr. Carlton argued that his practice was standard at the outpatient treatment center where he worked, but the DEA's investigation and expert testimony showed that his actions fell below the standard of care. Consequently, the revocation was seen as necessary to protect public interest.

The Department of the Treasury has reissued guidance for the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which distributes $150 billion to states, tribal governments, and eligible local governments to help them manage costs associated with the COVID-19 public health emergency. This guidance outlines how the funds should be used, ensuring expenditures are necessary and incurred due to the pandemic, fall outside the existing budget as of March 27, 2020, and occur within the defined period from March 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. It also provides nonexclusive examples of both eligible and ineligible expenses, discussing conditions under which funds can be used to support various sectors like healthcare, public safety, and economic relief efforts. Recipients need to ensure compliance and maintain records to avoid repayment of improperly utilized funds.