In Depth Analysis

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently hosted its second annual CMS Health Equity Conference on May 29 – 30, 2024, focusing on the theme “sustaining health equity through action.” The event was a significant gathering of more than 600 in-person attendees and more than 5,000 virtual participants, including leaders from federal agencies, healthcare providers, academia and community organizations.

In the wake of persistent drug shortages that compromise patient care and safety, the Biden administration and Congress have proposed policies to strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain. Using authorities under both Medicare and Medicaid, these measures include encouraging hospitals to maintain essential medication stocks and introducing incentives tied to drug purchasing practices. Read on as we delve into these proposals and provide insights into the potential direction of future federal policies.

On April 10, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) posted the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed update for fiscal year (FY) 2025, along with proposed policy and regulation changes. The proposed rule would update Medicare payment policies and quality reporting programs relevant for inpatient hospital services, and build on key agency priorities, including advancing health equity and improving the safety and quality of care.

Our new, interactive dashboard shows the actual costs to hospitals for providing care to Medicare fee-for-service inpatients based on data published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as part of its rulemaking cycle.