ONC News and Resources for Healthcare - HealthCareExecIntelligence

Payers Cover Coronavirus Tests, Physicians Oppose Surprise Billing Act

January 12, 2022 - This week, CMS announced a new rule requiring commercial insurance groups to cover the cost of coronavirus tests for their members. Insured Americans will now qualify for eight free tests per month. On the technology side, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) published new guidance for healthcare interoperability. Codes...

CMS Increases Call Center Wages, ONC Shifts SVAP Timeline

October 20, 2021 by Hayden Schmidt

The Biden-Harris Administration greenlit transgender care to be included as a part of Colorado’s Essential Health Benefits. Days later, CMS has boosted their hourly wages for call center workers...

Kaiser Workers Approve Strike, Medicare Advantage Plans Rank Well

October 13, 2021 by Hayden Schmidt

In Southern California, Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers have overwhelmingly approved a strike during a recent vote. If negotiations fail, staffing shortages could ensue. A Class I FDA recall was...

CMS Funds Telehealth for Medical Centers, OIG Audits Medicare Advantage

September 29, 2021 by Hayden Schmidt

An influx of funding from the American Rescue Plan is earmarked by HRSA for medical centers in underserved communities. Additionally, the ONC is receiving funding from the plan for IT workforce...

ACA Withstands Another Court Challenge, HHS Boosts Public Health IT Workforce

June 23, 2021 by Emily Sokol, MPH

The Supreme Court once again upholds the ACA, but experts are worried some may still challenge the law. Meanwhile, HHS funding aims to bolster the public health IT workforce and intra-agency...

HHS Funding Targets the Most Vulnerable, Debate to Extend Provider Relief Fund Ensues

May 19, 2021 by Emily Sokol, MPH

As HHS continues to make American Rescue Plan funding available, their efforts signal an emphasis on vulnerable populations and communities. Meanwhile, lawmakers urge HHS to extend Provider Relief Fund...

HHS Supports Community-Based Organizations, Changes to Title X; CMS Delays Reimbursement Cuts

April 21, 2021 by Emily Sokol, MPH

HHS announced funding to support community-based organizations in their battle against COVID-19 and proposed changes to Title X to promote more equitable care delivery. Meanwhile, CMS delays...