The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released their proposed inpatient rule for 2022 on May 9 and will accept comments on the rule through June 28. A summary of the rule and hospital-specific impact analyses were sent to the CFO or designated finance person for each member PPS Hospital in late May.... Read More >>
The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) and the State Department of Health (DOH) have begun work with stakeholders to assess what is needed to implement the federal No Surprises Act (NSA) passed by Congress in December. ... Read More >>
The Washington State Health Care Authority provided additional detail on health care investments and rate increases authorized by the legislature in the state’s 2021-2023 operating budget. The nature and timing of funding varies by initiative and certain details are yet to be determined, especially initiatives involving new federal funding. ... Read More >>
United Health Care (UHC) recently announced two policy payment policy changes impacting hospitals. WSHA has grave concerns regarding these policies and is expressing our concerns to staff at the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC). We encourage hospitals and providers with concerns to also contact OIC.... Read More >>
Senate Bill 5169, requiring commercial insurance carriers to reimburse for personal protective equipment (PPE) costs during COVID-19, was signed into law April 16, 2021. The bill applies to services incurred from April 16 through the end of the federal public health emergency, which has now been extended to at least July 20, 2021. Under the... Read More >>
The Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) recently provided updated guidance regarding the tax exemption for certain emergency grants under Substitute House Bill 1095 passed during the 2021 legislative session. Previously, DOR instructed that organizations should delay reporting these funds in anticipation of the legislation. WSHA provided input to DOR and strongly supported the bill.... Read More >>
The US Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) on Monday sent letters to six major drug manufacturers, warning them that they could face steep fines if they don't discount drug prices for pharmacies that contract with 340B providers.... Read More >>
The Health Care Authority (HCA) announced it is now accepting template billing for administration of COVID-19 vaccines at mass vaccination sites. ... Read More >>
Under the new American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Washingtonians will find that the cost of their health insurance that is purchased on the Health Benefit Exchange, is temporarily more affordable.... Read More >>
We are very pleased the 2021-2023 Operating Budget enacted by the legislature provides significant investments in health care, including many of WSHA’s budget priorities. For more information see our recent Inside Olympia and detailed budget comparison document. WSHA is still gathering information on some of funding and payment increases. We will get more information out to members as it becomes available. The highlights are below.... Read More >>
