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State Update
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The Buzz at the Statehouse
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Last week was another busy week at the Statehouse as lawmakers began working through legislative conference committees. With one full week left of session, the fast pace is expected to continue. While the session is scheduled to end on April 29th, there has been some talk that lawmakers hope to finish up by Friday the 26th.
The State’s budget forecast was also released last week, showing a $290 million increase from December projections. Governor Pence reacted by continuing to push his proposal to reduce income taxes by 10%, which would cost the state $500 million. Meanwhile, Senate Appropriations Chair Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville) and his counterpart in the House, Chairman Tim Brown (R-Crawfordsville), said tax cuts in the budget will likely amount to around $500 million a year but that it would include a mix of cuts, including the corporate tax, inheritance tax and income tax.
Medicaid Telehealth and Telemedicine
SB 554, the Medicaid Telehealth and Telemedicine Services bill, was heard in conference committee last week. This legislation would expand Medicaid coverage for telehealth services under Medicaid for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), as well as rural health clinics (RHCs). We were pleased that language St.Vincent worked to include removing the current 20-mile rule for Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) remained in the bill. Also, remaining in the bill, was language that requires legislators to study lifting the 20-mile rule for all hospitals.
Hospital Police Force
Last week was the conference committee on SB 582, which would allow hospitals to create a police department within the hospital. This is purely optional and aimed at allowing hospitals to allow their security guards to receive police training. Conference committee discussion centered on the level of initial and ongoing training that should be required of officers.
Hospital Lien Bill
On April 16th, the Senate concurred with the House version of the lien bill, which has put the bill on the path to be signed into law. The good news is that the lien language has not been completely repealed, as sought by the initial version of the bill. Unfortunately, the parameters of a lien have been drastically narrowed. We also understand that the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning is concerned about the Medicaid implications of the bill and has been discussing their concerns with the trial lawyers.
Coverage Expansion
Last week, Kyle DeFur, President St.Vincent Indianapolis Hospital, along with other Indianapolis hospital CEOs, met with the Governor to stress the importance of coverage expansion to hospitals across the state. The group felt it was a constructive conversation. Following the meeting, the Governor asked that the following “Indianapolis Business Journal" op-ed be provided to the participants.
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Federal Update
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Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Begins October 2013
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Starting in 2014, Health Insurance Marketplaces (previously called Health Insurance Exchanges) will become available in all states, including Indiana. Open enrollment is expected to begin in October 2013.
Once available, these online marketplaces will allow eligible individuals to shop for health insurance – much in the same way they currently shop online for airline tickets or hotel rooms. Marketplaces will offer a range of health insurance options, comprehensive plan information and general assistance.
Additionally, Marketplaces will help individuals determine whether or not they qualify for tax credits to help them purchase private insurance through the Marketplace, or find out if they are eligible for public health coverage programs.
To learn more about Health Insurance Marketplaces, a short video, as well as a one page "fact sheet," are available here.
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The National Physician Payment Transparency Program
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The National Physician Payment Transparency Program ("Open Payments") recently launched a new website to provide enhanced informational resources about Open Payments. Open Payments creates greater transparency around the financial relationships of manufacturers, physicians, and teaching hospitals. For more information about the program and how it works, access the updated website, which includes new program Fact Sheets and Frequently Asked Questions. These documents contain details specific to audiences affected by Open Payments: physicians, applicable manufacturers, teaching hospitals, and applicable group purchasing organizations.
Source: CMS Press Release: New Open Payments Resources Now Available Online
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ACT2020: Provide Feedback and Suggestions
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ACT2020.org contains a number of tools and resources that individuals can use to learn more about the current issues that impact the hospital system, our associates, and the people we serve. Do you have suggestions for other topics or issues that you would like to see covered in the future? If so, please contact us by clicking here. |
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Share Your Story!
Do you have a story to share with our nation's leaders to show why it is imperative that they work to improve health care? If so, please contact us. In your email, please include your name, ministry and role within the organization.
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Contact Us:
Do you have a question for Government Relations? If so, please don't hesitate to contact us. In your email, please include your name, ministry and role within the organization.
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