The Pulse

The Region 7 Winter edition of The Pulse, the CMS publication for the regional healthcare professional, is now available.

In this edition of the publication, the following topics are discussed:

• Important ICD-10 resources, including CME
• 2015 Physician Value-Based Payment Modifier Policy
• An update on Open Payments
• DMEPOS Round 2/NMO Recompete
• Financial alignment demonstrations to coordinate care for dually eligible Medicare-Medicaid beneficiaries
• Suggestions for potential PQRS measures
• ACOs and the Medicare Shared Savings Program
• Enhancement of provider oversight
• The requirement for revised 855R applications beginning in 2015

The Pulse can be downloaded by clicking here.

Additional resources from CMS

From Coverage to Care

From Coverage to Care is an initiative to help people with new health care coverage understand their benefits and connect to primary care and the preventive services that are right for them, so they can live a long and healthy life.

For more information, click here.

Assistance Roles to Help Consumers Apply & Enroll in Health Coverage Through the Marketplace

As of October 1, 2013, consumers in all states are able to apply for new affordable health coverage options through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Some states set up a State-based Marketplace, other states are working with the federal government in a State Partnership Marketplace. The remaining states have a Federally-facilitated Marketplace. No matter what state they live in, consumers are able to get live in-person help as they go through the process of applying for and choosing new coverage options in the Marketplace.

Individuals can help provide that assistance in a variety of roles. They can become Navigators, non-Navigator assistance personnel, or certified application counselors. In addition, agents and brokers can also help consumers enroll in new coverage options. For a description of the activities, required training, and funding for each type of consumer assistance, click here.

Additional information about assister programs can be found here.