There are a little over four months left until the end of the Obama administration, and the pace of health care program regulations and announcements are picking up. Today, CMS released a final rule outlining requirements for Medicare and Medicaid providers and suppliers regarding emergency management. Under the new regulations, providers will be required to plan for natural disasters and coordinate with federal, state, regional, and local emergency preparedness systems to ensure that facilities are prepared to meet the needs of patients during disasters and emergency situations.

Also, Acting CMS Administrator Andy Slavitt announced modified Quality Payment Program requirements for providers via bog post. The agency will allow physicians to “pick their pace” of participation for the first performance period under the program, which was established by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). During 2017, providers will have the following options:

1. Test the system by submitting some data during 2017. Providers choosing this option will not receive a payment cut, but will also not be eligible for higher payments.
2. Participate for part of the year. Providers choosing this option can submit data after January 1, 2017, and will be eligible for a “small” payment increase.
3. Participate for the full calendar year. Providers choosing this option will be required to begin submitting data on January 1, 2017, and will be eligible for a “modest” payment increase.
4. Participate in an Advanced Alternative Payment Model (AAPM) in 2017. Providers choosing this option may join an AAPM in 2017; if the provider meets the threshold for payments via AAPM, they will qualify for a 5% bonus payment in 2019.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is currently reviewing 21 regulations under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including a long-awaited final guidance from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) on the 340B prescription drug discount program.

Still unaccounted for, however, is a final rule on CMS’ proposed demonstration for physician-administered drugs covered under Medicare Part B. The proposal, which was released in March, has been controversial and it is unclear when (or whether) CMS will finalize the proposal, and what changes may be made in response to feedback from stakeholders.

Check the blog for more information on these rules, plus any others!