DOJ Targets Telefraud; CMS Delays Value-Based Drug Payments
The DOJ is targeting COVID-19-related telefraud while CMS proposes delaying value-based drug payments, and the Senate looks to expand VA connected and mental health programs.
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By - As the DOJ sets its eyes on COVID-19-related telefraud, CMS called for public comments on delaying value-based drug payment rules. Meanwhile, a new Senate bill proposes expanding VA mental health efforts and connected health treatment options.
HHS Supports Biden’s 2022 Proposed Budget
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra recently applauded President Biden’s proposed 2022 budget for its emphasis on healthcare. The budget outlines $905 million for emergency preparedness stockpile including inventory of medical supplies and updating the distribution model to prepare for future pandemics. There is an additional $8.7 billion allocated to the CDC and $1.6 billion to Community Mental Health Services Block Grant to continue efforts that improve the country’s mental healthcare system. READ MORE
New FDA Challenge Promotes Food Safety
To start the month of June, the FDA announced a novel challenge aimed at developing traceability tools for food contamination. The FDA New Era of Smarter Food Safety Low- or No-Cost Tech-Enabled Traceability Challenge emphasizes both affordability and tech-enabled traceability technology to promote usability and adoptability. Solutions can work to scale existing systems or create novel technology that is cost effective. READ MORE
Proposed Bill Would Further VA Connected Health Efforts
A bill proposed to the Senate last week aims to further telehealth use at the VA. The Guaranteeing Healthcare Access to Personnel Who Served (GHAPS) Act would establish a strategic plan for the VA to address how telehealth is used. The proposed act emphasizes bringing telehealth to veterans in rural areas and veterans in need of mental health services. READ MORE
DOJ Charges 14 Organizations with COVID-19-Related Telefraud
The DOJ recently announced charges against 14 defendants for alleged fraud. The charges cite exploiting COVID-19 regulatory flexibilities for more than $143 billion in false billing and are closely aligned to telefraud—traditional fraud disguised as telehealth services. READ MORE
CMS Proposes Delaying Value-Based Drug Payments
In an effort to continue promoting value-based purchasing arrangements with drug manufacturers, CMS published the “Establishing Minimum Standards in Medicaid State Drug Utilization Review (DUR) and Supporting Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) for Drugs Covered in Medicaid, Revising Medicaid Drug Rebate and Third-Party Liability (TPL) Requirements” rule in December 2020. Now, the organization is proposing delaying the requirements for participation until July 2022, citing concerns with stakeholder ability to implement policy that assures patient access and quality. Public comments on the proposed change are open through June 28. READ MORE
