Updates & Analysis

On November 21st, the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) finalized changes to the Part 599 regulations for Article 31 outpatient mental health clinics. Article 31 clinics have been reclassified as rehabilitative services under the Medicaid state plan under the name “Mental Health Outpatient Treatment and Rehabilitation Services” (MHOTRS). The regulatory amendments add…

On November 22nd, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators released a letter seeking input on ways to improve coverage for the 12.2 million individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid (“dual eligibles”). In order to develop legislation to reform the system of care for dual eligibles, the senators seek responses from patients, providers,…

In this update: Administration Updates HHS Makes Climate Resilience Announcements at COP27 Federal Agencies CMS Updates Medicare Care Compare with Clinician Facility Affiliation Information CMS Releases Medicaid Coverage and Behavioral Health Data CMMI to Hold VBID Hospice Webinar  CMS Releases Estimated Improper Payment Rates for 2022 CMS Doctor/Clinician Preview Period Begins November 21st Other Updates…

On November 17th, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) announced that the Healthcare Worker Bonus (HWB) Program has been expanded to include both newly eligible employers and titles, as follows:  New Qualified Employers DOH-funded Health Homes DOH-funded Permanent Supportive Housing Agencies New Eligible Titles Health Home Care Managers Security Guards and Peace Officers…

In this update:  Administration Updates Biden Administration Indicates PHE Will Continue Past January Federal Agencies CMMI to Host Specialty Care Strategy Listening Session HHS Proposes Rule to Update Standards for Electronic Drug Transactions GAO Issues Study on Private Health Insurance Market Concentration Other Updates SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments in Nursing Home Case Voters Approve Ballot…

On November 10th, the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) announced a new program to support licensed community mental health programs with recruiting and retaining psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs). The OMH Community Mental Health Loan Repayment Program (OMH CMHLRP) will award $9 million in total annual funding through State Aid grants…

On November 1st, the New York State (NYS) Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) released the final 2023-2027 Strategic Plan following a public comment period. Based on stakeholder feedback and a review of state data and policy, the Plan outlines the following three strategic goals for 2023-2027:  Strengthen the workforce, technology, and collaboration;  Transform…

In this update:  Legislative Update Senate Finance Committee Chair Releases Report on Deceptive Marketing in MA Federal Agencies CMS Finalizes CY 2023 Physician Fee Schedule CMS Finalizes CY 2023 Hospital Outpatient and ASC Payment Rules CMS Finalizes CY 2023 Home Health PPS CMS Finalizes CY 2023 ESRD PPS Rule CMMI Publishes One-Year Update on Strategic…

Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a readout from a November 1st meeting with New York stakeholders, which discussed the proposed New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) waiver. The State submitted the NYHER waiver to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on September 2nd, and it is currently under review.…

In this update:  Legislative Update Senate Finance Committee Works on Draft Legislation on Integrated Behavioral and Primary Care House Committee Releases Staff Report on Private Insurance Coverage of Contraception Federal Agencies CMS Issues “Make Your Voice Heard” RFI, Due November 4th CMS Finalizes Changes to Medicare Eligibility and Enrollment Rules CMS Again Extends Timeline for…

On November 1, 2022, Digital Health posted a Letter to the Editor opinion article written by Jeffrey Sachs. The full article can be found here, as well as below. “What would happen if a supermarket sold artichokes for anywhere from $1 to $10,000 but wouldn’t tell you in advance how much your artichoke will cost?…

On October 14th, the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) announced a forthcoming reissuance of the Intensive Crisis Stabilization Center Request for Proposals (RFP) for two centers in New York City and one center in the Capital Region. The original RFP, released in January 2022,…