ACA Breaks Enrollment Record, GAO Critiques HHS Control of Pathogen Studies
The ACA surpassed its previous record for enrollment, and a government accountability report identified several ways that the current experimentation on pandemic-causing pathogens could be safer.
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By - In the news this week, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) recorded more enrollments than in any prior year, including 3.6 million enrollees who had not used the marketplace before. Meanwhile, a study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that government oversight of potentially dangerous pathogen research was lacking.
DOJ Dismantles International Ransomware Network
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) held a special press conference last week announcing the disruption of an international ransomware network that targeted more than 1,500 victims, including healthcare systems. DOJ officials cooperated with law enforcement agencies in Germany and the Netherlands to take control of Hive ransomware’s servers and websites. The operation successfully captured and disabled the network, saving nearly $130 million in ransoms and providing past victims with decryption keys. READ MORE.
GAO Critiques HHS Research Oversight
An internal study done by the GAO reviewed Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) policies, programs, and research, producing three recommendations to improve the study of potential pandemic pathogens. The report advised HHS to update its definition of “reasonably anticipated” risk of spread and ensure that relevant studies are conducted with additional department scrutiny. Furthermore, the GAO report encouraged HHS to improve public understanding of research on potential pandemic pathogens by sharing additional information about research processes and evaluation criteria. READ MORE.
Medical Groups Face Staffing Challenges, High Expenses
An American Medical Group Association (AMGA) survey found that increased turnover throughout 2022 led to significant staffing challenges and higher expenditures. The survey also found that profits per physician grew at independent medical groups while system-affiliated groups saw an overall loss.
“The changes in staffing ratios in key direct patient care roles highlight the ongoing challenges faced by medical groups as they have managed the volume recovery post-COVID without the same staffing resources to provide care,” Rose Wagner, RN, MHS, FACMPE, consulting chief operations officer of AMGA, said in a press release emailed to RevCycleIntelligence.com. READ MORE.
ACA Breaks Record for Marketplace Enrollment
The ACA marketplace recorded more than 16.3 million signups for the 2023 plan year, including 3.6 million new registrations. Registrations surpassed all previous records for enrollment, surging 50 percent since President Biden’s first year in office.
“Unprecedented investments lead to unprecedented results,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Biden-Harris Administration has made lowering health care costs and expanding access to health insurance a top priority – and these record-breaking numbers show we are delivering results for the American people. We will keep doing everything we can to ensure more people have the peace of mind that comes with high-quality, affordable health care.” READ MORE.
HHS Issues $139 Million in Grants
HHS, through the Indian Health Service (IHS), will award $139 million in grants to improve diabetes care for disadvantaged groups. Funding will be dispersed across 302 IHS sites, including 11 new organizations and tribes. The Special Diabetes Program for Indians will support the efforts of organizations that use education and outreach to prevent and treat diabetes. READ MORE.
