AHCA amendment gives repeal-and-replace legislation new life
A new amendment to a Republican bill aimed at repealing and replacing parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has given the legislation new life. The amendment offered by Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-New Jersey) appears to have won support from members of the conservative Freedom Caucus, but it’s unclear how moderate Republicans will react to the changes and whether the bill can garner the 216 votes needed for House passage.
State amending Home and Community-Based Services (ASA) Waiver for South Dakotans
State officials are amending the Home and Community-Based Services (ASA) Waiver for South Dakotans as part of the transition of the Division of Adult Services and Aging (ASA) from the Department of Social Services (DSS) to the Department of Human Services (DHS).
Alex Ourth interns at SDAHO
Alex Ourth will join SDAHO as a summer intern as part of the RISE-UP program through the University of South Dakota (USD). Alex is studying chemical engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago, with a minor in public policy.
Trump nominates assistant secretaries for health, mental health and substance abuse
President Donald Trump has submitted nominations for an assistant secretary for health and an assistant secretary for mental health and substance abuse at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
CMS seeking applications for Rural Community Hospital Demonstration extension
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is encouraging rural hospitals offering 24-hour emergency care services with fewer than 51 acute care inpatient beds to apply for the five-year extension of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration.
Donate Life Blue & Green Day highlights organ, eye and tissue donation
Today is Donate Life America’s annual Donate Life Blue & Green Day, a chance for all to show their support for organ, eye and tissue donation by wearing blue and green.
GOP planning second try at ACA repeal this week
Republican House members appear to be ready to take another stab at repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) when they return from a two-week recess next week.
Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) satisfaction indicator survey is live
The 2017 Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) satisfaction indicator survey is live. Federal law requires that provider satisfaction be a performance standard for the work of MACs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administers the MAC Satisfaction Indicator (MSI) to measure provider satisfaction with the MACs from which they receive services.
State seeking information on decisions to admit nursing home residents
The state Department of Health, Department of Social Services and Department of Human Services are seeking information that impacts a nursing facility’s decision to admit a nursing home resident. The information gathered from nursing home providers will be included in the annual review process related to the need for additional nursing facility beds or new nursing facilities.
Veterans Choice Program extended
President Donald Trump has signed legislation (S. 544) extending the Veterans Choice Program, which had been set to expire in August. The AHA says the legislation allows the program to access nearly $1 billion remaining from its initial emergency appropriation, makes the Department of Veterans Affairs the primary payer under the program and allows the agency to share certain medical records with community providers.
