Partner Anil Shankar was quoted in the Modern Healthcare article, “CMS Should Toss Proposed MFAR Rule, Experts Say,” about CMS’ proposed Medical Fiscal Accountability Rule and how its impairing the ability of states and safety-net providers to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
States are largely footing the bill for the many costs associated with treating COVID-19 amid a precipitous drop in tax revenues and a steep increase in unemployment and Medicaid enrollment. Last year, CMS proposed a rule that would increase the transparency of states’ supplemental payments to providers and limit how states can finance their Medicaid programs. While health care experts agree that more accountability is needed, many say CMS’ approach gives the agency too much power and the rule could have fallout. The pandemic has only increased those concerns.
MFAR may further complicate the Medicaid program. “It would be throwing additional fuel on what’s already a burning fire,” Shankar said. He suspects the rule will be back burnered due to the pandemic.
(Subscription required)
States are largely footing the bill for the many costs associated with treating COVID-19 amid a precipitous drop in tax revenues and a steep increase in unemployment and Medicaid enrollment. Last year, CMS proposed a rule that would increase the transparency of states’ supplemental payments to providers and limit how states can finance their Medicaid programs. While health care experts agree that more accountability is needed, many say CMS’ approach gives the agency too much power and the rule could have fallout. The pandemic has only increased those concerns.
MFAR may further complicate the Medicaid program. “It would be throwing additional fuel on what’s already a burning fire,” Shankar said. He suspects the rule will be back burnered due to the pandemic.
(Subscription required)
People
Related News
13 January 2025
In the News
Matthew Krueger Assesses Government Health Care Enforcement Focuses for 2025
Foley & Lardner LLP partner Matthew Krueger assessed several key government health care enforcement targets for the year ahead in the Report on Medicare Compliance article, "Outlook 2025: Look for MA Cases Based on Claim Denials; Incoming DOJ May Tweak Guidance," published by the Health Care Compliance Association.
13 January 2025
In the News
Aaron Maguregui on HHS Cybersecurity Revamp – 'Going to be added costs across the board'
Foley & Lardner LLP partner Aaron Maguregui assessed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) proposed overhaul of its cybersecurity rules in the Bloomberg Law article, "Health Supply-Chain Hacks Targeted by HHS Cybersecurity Rule."
13 January 2025
In the News
Judith Waltz Describes Potential Health Policy Changes Under New Administration
Foley & Lardner LLP partner Judith Waltz commented on potential health policy changes under the incoming presidential administration in the Report on Medicare Compliance article, "Outlook 2025: Disruption Is Expected, Along With More OIG Guidance, Payment Changes," published by the Health Care Compliance Association.