Medicare
Q&A: More research, policies needed to ‘curb the rising costs’ of liver cancer care
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma carried a “significantly higher” cancer-related financial burden compared with those with cirrhosis, according to data published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
CMS lowers CRC screening coverage age, requires new modifier for follow-up colonoscopy
CMS has announced expanded coverage for specific colorectal cancer screening tests by lowering the minimum age to include individuals aged 45 years and older under Medicare Part B.
Undocumented immigrants experience similar kidney transplant results to residents
Kidney transplant outcomes among undocumented immigrants in California are similar to that of U.S. residents, according to data published in JAMA Network Open.
Long-term exposure to air pollutants associated with geriatric depression
Long-term ambient exposure to air pollutants may increase the risk of depression in older adults, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open.
CMS announces new Medicare Part B drug inflation rebates
CMS has announced its initial guidance for the new Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program, which it said will reduce drug costs for millions of beneficiaries.
Panoramic Health grows as a member of the Comprehensive Kidney Care Contracting program
Panoramic Health announced significant growth as a participant in Medicare’s Comprehensive Kidney Care Contracting program within the Kidney Care Choices Model, according to a press release.
Top news of January: Tick bites and alpha-gal syndrome, benefits of dogs, more
Healio compiled the most-read news in allergy, asthma and immunology posted in January.
ACR urges CMS to revise policy excluding copay assistance from counting toward deductible
The American College of Rheumatology is urging CMS to reconsider its current policy of allowing insurers to exclude copay assistance programs from counting toward a patient’s deductible, according to a press release.
Surgical treatment of spinal stenosis associated with lower 2-year mortality, costs
Compared with nonsurgical treatment, surgical treatment of Medicare patients with single-level lumbar stenosis was associated with lower mortality rates and costs at 2 years, according to published results.
Medicare beneficiaries could save about $500 per year with out-of-pocket insulin cap
Medicare Part B and Part D beneficiaries with diabetes who use insulin would have saved an average of $500 in 2020 if out-of-pocket insulin prices were capped at $35 that year, according to a report from HHS.