mr ALEXANDER MULLINEAUX

FMAP - The Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs) are used in determining the amount of Federal matching funds for State expenditures for assistance payments for certain social services, and State medical and medical insurance expenditures. The Social Security Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to calculate and publish the FMAPs each year. Out-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. In-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. 72 Hour Rule A provision of HR4213 that closed the 3-day payment window for hospitals to re-submit Medicare claims to unbundle unrelated payments. HR 5950 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to count a period of observation status in a hospital exceeding 24 hours toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare. Outlier Reform - Current law prevents CMS from reconciling acute inpatient outlier payments from one year to the next, should payments exceed or fall short of the 5.1 percent target amount on which the outlier threshold is based. The outlier pool is funded by reducing the DRG base payment for all PPS hospitals and for all discharges. Value based purchasing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative to more closely tie payments to providers with the quality of care provided. Accountable Care Organizations An innovation of PPACA that attempts to integrate care in order to achieve savings in the Medicare program. Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion in health reform. HR 1159 - To repeal certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act relating to the limitation on the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals and to transparency reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment interests. H.R.1186 - To repeal changes made by health care reform laws to the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals. Medicaid Maintenance-of-Effort - Provisions of PPACA require that states maintain their current Medicaid elegibility until 2014 when Medicaid expansion laws go into effect. There are efforts to repeal this provision underway.

In-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. Outlier Reform - Current law prevents CMS from reconciling acute inpatient outlier payments from one year to the next, should payments exceed or fall short of the 5.1 percent target amount on which the outlier threshold is based. The outlier pool is funded by reducing the DRG base payment for all PPS hospitals and for all discharges. Accountable Care Organizations An innovation of PPACA that attempts to integrate care in order to achieve savings in the Medicare program. Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion in health reform. HR 1159 - To repeal certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act relating to the limitation on the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals and to transparency reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment interests. H.R.1186 - To repeal changes made by health care reform laws to the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals. Medicaid Maintenance of Effort Proposals to repeal provision of the Affordable Care Act that would relieve states of their requirement to maintain Medicaid eligibility standards until 2014. Bad Debt Payments to Hospitals Lawmakers have proposed lowering the amount of Medicare Bad Debt payments to hospitals for Medicare beneficiaries who fail to pay their cost-sharing obligations for treatments provided by the hospital. Direct and Indirect Graduate Medical Education Payments Lawmakers have proposed changes to the way that hospitals are reimbursed for the costs of training physicians and other medical professionals. Support extension of a number of Medicare payment policies set to expire at the end of 2011. Dual Eligible Reform Support reform of reimbursements for patients eligible for both medicare and Medicaid Medicare Part A / Part B Rebilling Reform Support allowing hospitals that have claims denied by RACs under Medicare Part A to file the claim under Part B of Medicare Medicaid Block Grants Oppose proposals to reform Medicaid payments to states into block grants

FMAP - The Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs) are used in determining the amount of Federal matching funds for State expenditures for assistance payments for certain social services, and State medical and medical insurance expenditures. The Social Security Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to calculate and publish the FMAPs each year. Out-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. In-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. 72 Hour Rule A provision of HR4213 that closed the 3-day payment window for hospitals to re-submit Medicare claims to unbundle unrelated payments. HR 5950 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to count a period of observation status in a hospital exceeding 24 hours toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare. Outlier Reform - Current law prevents CMS from reconciling acute inpatient outlier payments from one year to the next, should payments exceed or fall short of the 5.1 percent target amount on which the outlier threshold is based. The outlier pool is funded by reducing the DRG base payment for all PPS hospitals and for all discharges. Value based purchasing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative to more closely tie payments to providers with the quality of care provided. Accountable Care Organizations An innovation of PPACA that attempts to integrate care in order to achieve savings in the Medicare program. Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion in health reform. HR 1159 - To repeal certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act relating to the limitation on the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals and to transparency reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment interests. H.R.1186 - To repeal changes made by health care reform laws to the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals. Medicaid Maintenance of Effort Proposals to repeal provision of the Affordable Care Act that would relieve states of their requirement to maintain Medicaid eligibility standards until 2014.

HR 1159 - To repeal certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act relating to the limitation on the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals and to transparency reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment interests. H.R.1186 - To repeal changes made by health care reform laws to the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals. Bad Debt Payments to Hospitals Lawmakers have proposed lowering the amount of Medicare Bad Debt payments to hospitals for Medicare beneficiaries who fail to pay their cost-sharing obligations for treatments provided by the hospital. Direct and Indirect Graduate Medical Education Payments Lawmakers have proposed changes to the way that hospitals are reimbursed for the costs of training physicians and other medical professionals. Support extension of a number of rural Medicare payment policies set to expire at the end of 2011. Oppose the lowering of Medicare outpatients rates for Evaluation and Management visits in a hospital S. 1680 - Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act of 2011 - A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to protect and preserve access of Medicare beneficiaries in rural areas to health care providers under the Medicare program, and for other purposes. Oppose the reduction of allowed Medicaid provider taxes in states Oppose any cuts to the Medicaid DSH funds above and beyond what was legislated in the Affordable Care Act CMS Coverage Determination Policy Support a long-term patch or full repeal of the Sustainable Growth Rate for Physician payments in Medicare Oppose the proposal of lowering reimbursements to Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities through Medicare

FMAP - The Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs) are used in determining the amount of Federal matching funds for State expenditures for assistance payments for certain social services, and State medical and medical insurance expenditures. The Social Security Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to calculate and publish the FMAPs each year. Out-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. In-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. 72 Hour Rule A provision of HR4213 that closed the 3-day payment window for hospitals to re-submit Medicare claims to unbundle unrelated payments. HR 5950 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to count a period of observation status in a hospital exceeding 24 hours toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare. Outlier Reform - Current law prevents CMS from reconciling acute inpatient outlier payments from one year to the next, should payments exceed or fall short of the 5.1 percent target amount on which the outlier threshold is based. The outlier pool is funded by reducing the DRG base payment for all PPS hospitals and for all discharges. Value based purchasing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative to more closely tie payments to providers with the quality of care provided. Accountable Care Organizations An innovation of PPACA that attempts to integrate care in order to achieve savings in the Medicare program. Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion in health reform. HR 1159 - To repeal certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act relating to the limitation on the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals and to transparency reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment interests. H.R.1186 - To repeal changes made by health care reform laws to the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals. Medicaid Maintenance-of-Effort - Provisions of PPACA require that states maintain their current Medicaid elegibility until 2014 when Medicaid expansion laws go into effect. There are efforts to repeal this provision underway.

In-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. Outlier Reform - Current law prevents CMS from reconciling acute inpatient outlier payments from one year to the next, should payments exceed or fall short of the 5.1 percent target amount on which the outlier threshold is based. The outlier pool is funded by reducing the DRG base payment for all PPS hospitals and for all discharges. Accountable Care Organizations An innovation of PPACA that attempts to integrate care in order to achieve savings in the Medicare program. Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion in health reform. HR 1159 - To repeal certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act relating to the limitation on the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals and to transparency reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment interests. H.R.1186 - To repeal changes made by health care reform laws to the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals. Medicaid Maintenance of Effort Proposals to repeal provision of the Affordable Care Act that would relieve states of their requirement to maintain Medicaid eligibility standards until 2014. Bad Debt Payments to Hospitals Lawmakers have proposed lowering the amount of Medicare Bad Debt payments to hospitals for Medicare beneficiaries who fail to pay their cost-sharing obligations for treatments provided by the hospital. Direct and Indirect Graduate Medical Education Payments Lawmakers have proposed changes to the way that hospitals are reimbursed for the costs of training physicians and other medical professionals. Support extension of a number of Medicare payment policies set to expire at the end of 2011. Dual Eligible Reform Support reform of reimbursements for patients eligible for both medicare and Medicaid Medicare Part A / Part B Rebilling Reform Support allowing hospitals that have claims denied by RACs under Medicare Part A to file the claim under Part B of Medicare Medicaid Block Grants Oppose proposals to reform Medicaid payments to states into block grants

HR 1159 - To repeal certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act relating to the limitation on the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals and to transparency reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment interests. H.R.1186 - To repeal changes made by health care reform laws to the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals. Bad Debt Payments to Hospitals Lawmakers have proposed lowering the amount of Medicare Bad Debt payments to hospitals for Medicare beneficiaries who fail to pay their cost-sharing obligations for treatments provided by the hospital. Direct and Indirect Graduate Medical Education Payments Lawmakers have proposed changes to the way that hospitals are reimbursed for the costs of training physicians and other medical professionals. Support extension of a number of rural Medicare payment policies set to expire at the end of 2011. Oppose the lowering of Medicare outpatients rates for Evaluation and Management visits in a hospital S. 1680 - Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act of 2011 - A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to protect and preserve access of Medicare beneficiaries in rural areas to health care providers under the Medicare program, and for other purposes. Oppose the reduction of allowed Medicaid provider taxes in states Oppose any cuts to the Medicaid DSH funds above and beyond what was legislated in the Affordable Care Act CMS Coverage Determination Policy Support a long-term patch or full repeal of the Sustainable Growth Rate for Physician payments in Medicare Oppose the proposal of lowering reimbursements to Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities through Medicare

HR 1159 - To repeal certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act relating to the limitation on the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals and to transparency reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment interests. HR 1159 - To repeal certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act relating to the limitation on the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals and to transparency reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment interests. H.R.1186 - To repeal changes made by health care reform laws to the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals. Bad Debt Payments to Hospitals Lawmakers have proposed lowering the amount of Medicare Bad Debt payments to hospitals for Medicare beneficiaries who fail to pay their cost-sharing obligations for treatments provided by the hospital. Direct and Indirect Graduate Medical Education Payments Lawmakers have proposed changes to the way that hospitals are reimbursed for the costs of training physicians and other medical professionals. Support extension of a number of rural Medicare payment policies set to expire at the end of 2011. Oppose the lowering of Medicare outpatients rates for Evaluation and Management visits in a hospital S. 1680 - Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act of 2011 - A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to protect and preserve access of Medicare beneficiaries in rural areas to health care providers under the Medicare program, and for other purposes. Oppose the reduction of allowed Medicaid provider taxes in states Oppose any cuts to the Medicaid DSH funds above and beyond what was legislated in the Affordable Care Act CMS Coverage Determination Policy Support a long-term patch or full repeal of the Sustainable Growth Rate for Physician payments in Medicare Oppose the proposal of lowering reimbursements to Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities through Medicare

FMAP - The Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs) are used in determining the amount of Federal matching funds for State expenditures for assistance payments for certain social services, and State medical and medical insurance expenditures. The Social Security Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to calculate and publish the FMAPs each year. Out-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. In-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. 72 Hour Rule A provision of HR4213 that closed the 3-day payment window for hospitals to re-submit Medicare claims to unbundle unrelated payments. HR 5950 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to count a period of observation status in a hospital exceeding 24 hours toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare. Outlier Reform - Current law prevents CMS from reconciling acute inpatient outlier payments from one year to the next, should payments exceed or fall short of the 5.1 percent target amount on which the outlier threshold is based. The outlier pool is funded by reducing the DRG base payment for all PPS hospitals and for all discharges. Value based purchasing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative to more closely tie payments to providers with the quality of care provided. Accountable Care Organizations An innovation of PPACA that attempts to integrate care in order to achieve savings in the Medicare program. Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion in health reform. HR 1159 - To repeal certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act relating to the limitation on the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals and to transparency reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment interests. H.R.1186 - To repeal changes made by health care reform laws to the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals. Medicaid Maintenance of Effort Proposals to repeal provision of the Affordable Care Act that would relieve states of their requirement to maintain Medicaid eligibility standards until 2014.

In-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. Outlier Reform - Current law prevents CMS from reconciling acute inpatient outlier payments from one year to the next, should payments exceed or fall short of the 5.1 percent target amount on which the outlier threshold is based. The outlier pool is funded by reducing the DRG base payment for all PPS hospitals and for all discharges. Accountable Care Organizations An innovation of PPACA that attempts to integrate care in order to achieve savings in the Medicare program. Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion in health reform. HR 1159 - To repeal certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act relating to the limitation on the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals and to transparency reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment interests. H.R.1186 - To repeal changes made by health care reform laws to the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals. Medicaid Maintenance of Effort Proposals to repeal provision of the Affordable Care Act that would relieve states of their requirement to maintain Medicaid eligibility standards until 2014. Bad Debt Payments to Hospitals Lawmakers have proposed lowering the amount of Medicare Bad Debt payments to hospitals for Medicare beneficiaries who fail to pay their cost-sharing obligations for treatments provided by the hospital. Direct and Indirect Graduate Medical Education Payments Lawmakers have proposed changes to the way that hospitals are reimbursed for the costs of training physicians and other medical professionals. Support extension of a number of Medicare payment policies set to expire at the end of 2011. Dual Eligible Reform Support reform of reimbursements for patients eligible for both medicare and Medicaid Medicare Part A / Part B Rebilling Reform Support allowing hospitals that have claims denied by RACs under Medicare Part A to file the claim under Part B of Medicare Medicaid Block Grants Oppose proposals to reform Medicaid payments to states into block grants

HR 5 - Medical Liability Reform Numerous policy proposals have been developed that would seek to reform the federal medical liability laws. HITECH Act - Implementation of meaningful use and privacy and security provisions in HITECH Act of 2009. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations. Health Reform Implementation The President and Congress passed plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. (Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Bill, Senate Finance Bill, House Tri-Committee Bill, HR 3962, and HR 3590). FAH is focused on specific provisions of the bill that impact Medicare and Medicaid payments and other hospital related policies (i.e. Value-Based Purchasing, IPAB, Medicaid Expansion, Individual Mandate, Employer Mandate, Insurance Exchanges, Maintenance of Effort, Medical Loss Ratios, Medical Malpractice Reform, Quality Initiatives, CLASS Act, Workforce, etc.) Healthcare Acquired Conditions/Infections There are a number of government activities related to reducing the number of healthcare acquired conditions or infections. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations.

HR 5 - Medical Liability Reform Numerous policy proposals have been developed that would seek to reform the federal medical liability laws. HITECH Act - Implementation of meaningful use and privacy and security provisions in HITECH Act of 2009. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations. Health Reform Implementation The President and Congress passed plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. (Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Bill, Senate Finance Bill, House Tri-Committee Bill, HR 3962, and HR 3590). FAH is focused on specific provisions of the bill that impact Medicare and Medicaid payments and other hospital related policies (i.e. Value-Based Purchasing, IPAB, Medicaid Expansion, Individual Mandate, Employer Mandate, Insurance Exchanges, Maintenance of Effort, Medical Loss Ratios, Medical Malpractice Reform, Quality Initiatives, CLASS Act, Workforce, etc.) Healthcare Acquired Conditions/Infections There are a number of government activities related to reducing the number of healthcare acquired conditions or infections. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations.

FMAP - The Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs) are used in determining the amount of Federal matching funds for State expenditures for assistance payments for certain social services, and State medical and medical insurance expenditures. The Social Security Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to calculate and publish the FMAPs each year. Out-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. In-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. 72 Hour Rule A provision of HR4213 that closed the 3-day payment window for hospitals to re-submit Medicare claims to unbundle unrelated payments. HR 5950 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to count a period of observation status in a hospital exceeding 24 hours toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare. Outlier Reform - Current law prevents CMS from reconciling acute inpatient outlier payments from one year to the next, should payments exceed or fall short of the 5.1 percent target amount on which the outlier threshold is based. The outlier pool is funded by reducing the DRG base payment for all PPS hospitals and for all discharges. Value based purchasing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative to more closely tie payments to providers with the quality of care provided. Accountable Care Organizations An innovation of PPACA that attempts to integrate care in order to achieve savings in the Medicare program. Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion in health reform. HR 1159 - To repeal certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act relating to the limitation on the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals and to transparency reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment interests. H.R.1186 - To repeal changes made by health care reform laws to the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals. Medicaid Maintenance of Effort Proposals to repeal provision of the Affordable Care Act that would relieve states of their requirement to maintain Medicaid eligibility standards until 2014.

FMAP - The Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs) are used in determining the amount of Federal matching funds for State expenditures for assistance payments for certain social services, and State medical and medical insurance expenditures. The Social Security Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to calculate and publish the FMAPs each year. Out-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. In-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. 72 Hour Rule A provision of HR4213 that closed the 3-day payment window for hospitals to re-submit Medicare claims to unbundle unrelated payments. HR 5950 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to count a period of observation status in a hospital exceeding 24 hours toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare. Outlier Reform - Current law prevents CMS from reconciling acute inpatient outlier payments from one year to the next, should payments exceed or fall short of the 5.1 percent target amount on which the outlier threshold is based. The outlier pool is funded by reducing the DRG base payment for all PPS hospitals and for all discharges. Value based purchasing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative to more closely tie payments to providers with the quality of care provided. Accountable Care Organizations An innovation of PPACA that attempts to integrate care in order to achieve savings in the Medicare program. Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion in health reform. HR 1159 - To repeal certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act relating to the limitation on the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals and to transparency reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment interests. H.R.1186 - To repeal changes made by health care reform laws to the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals. Medicaid Maintenance-of-Effort - Provisions of PPACA require that states maintain their current Medicaid elegibility until 2014 when Medicaid expansion laws go into effect. There are efforts to repeal this provision underway.

FMAP - The Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs) are used in determining the amount of Federal matching funds for State expenditures for assistance payments for certain social services, and State medical and medical insurance expenditures. The Social Security Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to calculate and publish the FMAPs each year. Out-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. In-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. 72 Hour Rule A provision of HR4213 that closed the 3-day payment window for hospitals to re-submit Medicare claims to unbundle unrelated payments. HR 5950 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to count a period of observation status in a hospital exceeding 24 hours toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare. Outlier Reform - Current law prevents CMS from reconciling acute inpatient outlier payments from one year to the next, should payments exceed or fall short of the 5.1 percent target amount on which the outlier threshold is based. The outlier pool is funded by reducing the DRG base payment for all PPS hospitals and for all discharges. Value based purchasing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative to more closely tie payments to providers with the quality of care provided. Accountable Care Organizations An innovation of PPACA that attempts to integrate care in order to achieve savings in the Medicare program. Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion in health reform. HR 1159 - To repeal certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act relating to the limitation on the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals and to transparency reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment interests. H.R.1186 - To repeal changes made by health care reform laws to the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals. Medicaid Maintenance of Effort Proposals to repeal provision of the Affordable Care Act that would relieve states of their requirement to maintain Medicaid eligibility standards until 2014.

FMAP - The Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs) are used in determining the amount of Federal matching funds for State expenditures for assistance payments for certain social services, and State medical and medical insurance expenditures. The Social Security Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to calculate and publish the FMAPs each year. Out-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. In-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. 72 Hour Rule A provision of HR4213 that closed the 3-day payment window for hospitals to re-submit Medicare claims to unbundle unrelated payments. HR 5950 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to count a period of observation status in a hospital exceeding 24 hours toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare. Outlier Reform - Current law prevents CMS from reconciling acute inpatient outlier payments from one year to the next, should payments exceed or fall short of the 5.1 percent target amount on which the outlier threshold is based. The outlier pool is funded by reducing the DRG base payment for all PPS hospitals and for all discharges. Value based purchasing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative to more closely tie payments to providers with the quality of care provided. Accountable Care Organizations An innovation of PPACA that attempts to integrate care in order to achieve savings in the Medicare program. Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion in health reform. HR 1159 - To repeal certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act relating to the limitation on the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals and to transparency reports and reporting of physician ownership or investment interests. H.R.1186 - To repeal changes made by health care reform laws to the Medicare exception to the prohibition on certain physician referrals for hospitals. Medicaid Maintenance-of-Effort - Provisions of PPACA require that states maintain their current Medicaid elegibility until 2014 when Medicaid expansion laws go into effect. There are efforts to repeal this provision underway.

Health Reform Implementation The President and Congress passed plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. (Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Bill, Senate Finance Bill, House Tri-Committee Bill, HR 3962, and HR 3590) HITECH Act - Implementation of meaningful use and privacy and security provisions in HITECH Act of 2009. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations. HR 5 - Medical Liability Reform Numerous policy proposals have been developed that would seek to reform the federal medical liability laws. Healthcare Acquired Conditions/Infections There are a number of government activities related to reducing the number of healthcare acquired conditions or infections. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations. HIPAA Privacy

Health Reform Implementation The President and Congress passed plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. (Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Bill, Senate Finance Bill, House Tri-Committee Bill, HR 3962, and HR 3590) HITECH Act - Implementation of meaningful use and privacy and security provisions in HITECH Act of 2009. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations. HR 5 - Medical Liability Reform Numerous policy proposals have been developed that would seek to reform the federal medical liability laws. Healthcare Acquired Conditions/Infections There are a number of government activities related to reducing the number of healthcare acquired conditions or infections. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations. HIPAA Privacy

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes. COBRA - COBRA provides certain former employees, retirees, spouses, former spouses, and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates. An expansion of benefits under COBRA was passed in a previous Congress, and extensions to the expansion have been proposed thereafter.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes. COBRA - COBRA provides certain former employees, retirees, spouses, former spouses, and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates. An expansion of benefits under COBRA was passed in a previous Congress, and extensions to the expansion have been proposed thereafter.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

Health Reform The President and Congress passed plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. (Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Bill, Senate Finance Bill, House Tri-Committee Bill, HR 3962, and HR 3590) HR 4872 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 Includes changes to the health reform legislation that are agreed on between both Senate and House leaders. HITECH Act - Implementation of meaningful use and privacy and security provisions in HITECH Act of 2009. Stand for Quality - Initiative to codify the health care quality infrastructure that has operated outside the realm of Congress to this point. HR 1776 - Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2009 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the development of quality measures for inpatient hospital services, to implement a performance-based payment methodology for the provision of such services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations. Medical Liability Reform Numerous policy proposals have been developed that would seek to reform the federal medical liability laws. Price transparency Policy proposals have been discussed that would make pricing of health care services more transparent. Healthcare Acquired Conditions/Infections There are a number of government activities related to reducing the number of healthcare acquired conditions or infections. HR 4213 - American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions, and for other purposes. Medical Loss Ratios A provision of the health reform legislation of 2010 required that health insurance plans meet a minimum threshold of premium dollars spent on actually medical care.

Health Reform The President and Congress passed plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. (Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Bill, Senate Finance Bill, House Tri-Committee Bill, HR 3962, and HR 3590) HR 4872 Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 Includes changes to the health reform legislation that are agreed on between both Senate and House leaders. HITECH Act - Implementation of meaningful use and privacy and security provisions in HITECH Act of 2009. Stand for Quality - Initiative to codify the health care quality infrastructure that has operated outside the realm of Congress to this point. HR 1776 - Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2009 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the development of quality measures for inpatient hospital services, to implement a performance-based payment methodology for the provision of such services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations. Medical Liability Reform Numerous policy proposals have been developed that would seek to reform the federal medical liability laws. Price transparency Policy proposals have been discussed that would make pricing of health care services more transparent. Healthcare Acquired Conditions/Infections There are a number of government activities related to reducing the number of healthcare acquired conditions or infections.

FMAP - The Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs) are used in determining the amount of Federal matching funds for State expenditures for assistance payments for certain social services, and State medical and medical insurance expenditures. The Social Security Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to calculate and publish the FMAPs each year. Out-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. In-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. 72 Hour Rule A provision of HR4213 that closed the 3-day payment window for hospitals to re-submit Medicare claims to unbundle unrelated payments. HR 5950 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to count a period of observation status in a hospital exceeding 24 hours toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare. Outlier Reform - Current law prevents CMS from reconciling acute inpatient outlier payments from one year to the next, should payments exceed or fall short of the 5.1 percent target amount on which the outlier threshold is based. The outlier pool is funded by reducing the DRG base payment for all PPS hospitals and for all discharges. Value based purchasing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative to more closely tie payments to providers with the quality of care provided. Accountable Care Organizations An innovation of PPACA that attempts to integrate care in order to achieve savings in the Medicare program. Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion in health reform. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Comment Letter End-Stage Renal Disease Comment Letter

FMAP - The Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs) are used in determining the amount of Federal matching funds for State expenditures for assistance payments for certain social services, and State medical and medical insurance expenditures. The Social Security Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to calculate and publish the FMAPs each year. 72 Hour Rule A provision of HR4213 that closed the 3-day payment window for hospitals to re-submit Medicare claims to unbundle unrelated payments. HR 5950 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to count a period of observation status in a hospital exceeding 24 hours toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare. Outlier Reform - Current law prevents CMS from reconciling acute inpatient outlier payments from one year to the next, should payments exceed or fall short of the 5.1 percent target amount on which the outlier threshold is based. The outlier pool is funded by reducing the DRG base payment for all PPS hospitals and for all discharges. Value based purchasing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative to more closely tie payments to providers with the quality of care provided. Accountable Care Organizations An innovation of PPACA that attempts to integrate care in order to achieve savings in the Medicare program. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Comment Letter Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion in health reform.

Health Reform Implementation The President and Congress passed plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. (Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Bill, Senate Finance Bill, House Tri-Committee Bill, HR 3962, and HR 3590) HITECH Act - Implementation of meaningful use and privacy and security provisions in HITECH Act of 2009. HR 6072 - Electronic Health Record Incentives for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act of 2010 - To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to clarify the application of EHR payment incentives in cases of multi-campus hospitals. S. 3708 - Electronic Health Record Incentives for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act of 2010 - To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to clarify the application of EHR payment incentives in cases of multi-campus hospitals. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations. Medical Liability Reform Numerous policy proposals have been developed that would seek to reform the federal medical liability laws. Healthcare Acquired Conditions/Infections There are a number of government activities related to reducing the number of healthcare acquired conditions or infections. Medical Loss Ratios A provision of the health reform legislation of 2010 required that health insurance plans meet a minimum threshold of premium dollars spent on actually medical care. Johanns Amendment Amendment #4596 to Small Business Bill Would have returned the 1099 issuance threshold to $5,000 and would pay for this change of law by lowering the threshold for obtaining an exemption from the health reform laws personal responsibility mandate. Senator Mike Enzi Resolution of Disapproval on Grandfathered Health Insurance Plans Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY) introduced a resolution of disapproval to overturn the grandfathering clause of the healthcare reform law.

Health Reform Implementation The President and Congress passed plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. (Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Bill, Senate Finance Bill, House Tri-Committee Bill, HR 3962, and HR 3590) HITECH Act - Implementation of meaningful use and privacy and security provisions in HITECH Act of 2009. HR 6072 - Electronic Health Record Incentives for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act of 2010 - To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to clarify the application of EHR payment incentives in cases of multi-campus hospitals. S. 3708 - Electronic Health Record Incentives for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act of 2010 - To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to clarify the application of EHR payment incentives in cases of multi-campus hospitals. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations. Medical Liability Reform Numerous policy proposals have been developed that would seek to reform the federal medical liability laws. Healthcare Acquired Conditions/Infections There are a number of government activities related to reducing the number of healthcare acquired conditions or infections. Medical Loss Ratios A provision of the health reform legislation of 2010 required that health insurance plans meet a minimum threshold of premium dollars spent on actually medical care. Johanns Amendment Amendment #4596 to Small Business Bill Would have returned the 1099 issuance threshold to $5,000 and would pay for this change of law by lowering the threshold for obtaining an exemption from the health reform laws personal responsibility mandate. Senator Mike Enzi Resolution of Disapproval on Grandfathered Health Insurance Plans Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY) introduced a resolution of disapproval to overturn the grandfathering clause of the healthcare reform law.

Health Reform Implementation The President and Congress passed plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. (Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Bill, Senate Finance Bill, House Tri-Committee Bill, HR 3962, and HR 3590) HITECH Act - Implementation of meaningful use and privacy and security provisions in HITECH Act of 2009. HR 6072 - Electronic Health Record Incentives for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act of 2010 - To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to clarify the application of EHR payment incentives in cases of multi-campus hospitals. S. 3708 - Electronic Health Record Incentives for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act of 2010 - To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to clarify the application of EHR payment incentives in cases of multi-campus hospitals. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations. Medical Liability Reform Numerous policy proposals have been developed that would seek to reform the federal medical liability laws. Healthcare Acquired Conditions/Infections There are a number of government activities related to reducing the number of healthcare acquired conditions or infections. Medical Loss Ratios A provision of the health reform legislation of 2010 required that health insurance plans meet a minimum threshold of premium dollars spent on actually medical care. Johanns Amendment Amendment #4596 to Small Business Bill Would have returned the 1099 issuance threshold to $5,000 and would pay for this change of law by lowering the threshold for obtaining an exemption from the health reform laws personal responsibility mandate. Senator Mike Enzi Resolution of Disapproval on Grandfathered Health Insurance Plans Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY) introduced a resolution of disapproval to overturn the grandfathering clause of the healthcare reform law.

Health Reform Implementation The President and Congress passed plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. (Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Bill, Senate Finance Bill, House Tri-Committee Bill, HR 3962, and HR 3590) HITECH Act - Implementation of meaningful use and privacy and security provisions in HITECH Act of 2009. HR 6072 - Electronic Health Record Incentives for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act of 2010 - To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to clarify the application of EHR payment incentives in cases of multi-campus hospitals. S. 3708 - Electronic Health Record Incentives for Multi-Campus Hospitals Act of 2010 - To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to clarify the application of EHR payment incentives in cases of multi-campus hospitals. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations. Medical Liability Reform Numerous policy proposals have been developed that would seek to reform the federal medical liability laws. Healthcare Acquired Conditions/Infections There are a number of government activities related to reducing the number of healthcare acquired conditions or infections. Medical Loss Ratios A provision of the health reform legislation of 2010 required that health insurance plans meet a minimum threshold of premium dollars spent on actually medical care. Johanns Amendment Amendment #4596 to Small Business Bill Would have returned the 1099 issuance threshold to $5,000 and would pay for this change of law by lowering the threshold for obtaining an exemption from the health reform laws personal responsibility mandate. Senator Mike Enzi Resolution of Disapproval on Grandfathered Health Insurance Plans Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY) introduced a resolution of disapproval to overturn the grandfathering clause of the healthcare reform law.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes. COBRA - COBRA provides certain former employees, retirees, spouses, former spouses, and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates. An expansion of benefits under COBRA was passed in a previous Congress, and extensions to the expansion have been proposed thereafter.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes. COBRA - COBRA provides certain former employees, retirees, spouses, former spouses, and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates. An expansion of benefits under COBRA was passed in a previous Congress, and extensions to the expansion have been proposed thereafter.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

HR1023 - To repeal the imposition of withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities.

Ban on Self-Referral to Physician-Owned Hospitals Provision that will prospectively ban the practice of physicians referring patients to hospitals that are owned by the physician. FMAP - The Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs) are used in determining the amount of Federal matching funds for State expenditures for assistance payments for certain social services, and State medical and medical insurance expenditures. The Social Security Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to calculate and publish the FMAPs each year. In-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. 72 Hour Rule A provision of HR4213 that closed the 3-day payment window for hospitals to re-submit Medicare claims to unbundle unrelated payments. Disproportionate Share Payments As a part of the health reform debate there has been discussion of using a cut to Disproportionate Share (DSH) payments to hospitals as a way of paying for coverage expansion. Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion in health reform.

FMAP - The Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs) are used in determining the amount of Federal matching funds for State expenditures for assistance payments for certain social services, and State medical and medical insurance expenditures. The Social Security Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to calculate and publish the FMAPs each year. 72 Hour Rule A provision of HR4213 that closed the 3-day payment window for hospitals to re-submit Medicare claims to unbundle unrelated payments. HR 5950 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to count a period of observation status in a hospital exceeding 24 hours toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare. Outlier Reform - Current law prevents CMS from reconciling acute inpatient outlier payments from one year to the next, should payments exceed or fall short of the 5.1 percent target amount on which the outlier threshold is based. The outlier pool is funded by reducing the DRG base payment for all PPS hospitals and for all discharges. Value based purchasing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative to more closely tie payments to providers with the quality of care provided. Accountable Care Organizations An innovation of PPACA that attempts to integrate care in order to achieve savings in the Medicare program. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Comment Letter Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion in health reform.

FMAP - The Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAPs) are used in determining the amount of Federal matching funds for State expenditures for assistance payments for certain social services, and State medical and medical insurance expenditures. The Social Security Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to calculate and publish the FMAPs each year. Out-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. In-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. 72 Hour Rule A provision of HR4213 that closed the 3-day payment window for hospitals to re-submit Medicare claims to unbundle unrelated payments. HR 5950 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to count a period of observation status in a hospital exceeding 24 hours toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare. Outlier Reform - Current law prevents CMS from reconciling acute inpatient outlier payments from one year to the next, should payments exceed or fall short of the 5.1 percent target amount on which the outlier threshold is based. The outlier pool is funded by reducing the DRG base payment for all PPS hospitals and for all discharges. Value based purchasing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative to more closely tie payments to providers with the quality of care provided. Accountable Care Organizations An innovation of PPACA that attempts to integrate care in order to achieve savings in the Medicare program. Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion in health reform. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Comment Letter End-Stage Renal Disease Comment Letter

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

Price transparency amendment Proposed amendment to various bills in House Energy and Commerce Committee to mandate that states provide a system to have pricing information for hospitals and healthcare providers available to the public. ICD-10 - The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a proposed regulation that would replace the ICD-9-CM code sets now used to report health care diagnoses and procedures with ICD-10 code sets, effective Oct. 1, 2011. HR 2 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. S. 275 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - An original bill to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. HR 1 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. S. 336 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - An original bill making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. Health Care Reform The President and Congress have been developing plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. Stand for Quality Initiative to codify the health care quality infrastructure that has operated outside the realm of Congress to this point. Medicare Payment Bundling A proposal being discussed in Congress that would bundle payments to different health care providers by funneling those payments through a single provider. HR 1776 - Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2009 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the development of quality measures for inpatient hospital services, to implement a performance-based payment methodology for the provision of such services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes.

Health Care Reform The President and Congress have been developing plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. (Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Bill, House Tri-Committee Bill) HITECH Act - Implementation of meaningful use and privacy and security provisions in HITECH Act of 2009. HR 1776 - Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2009 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the development of quality measures for inpatient hospital services, to implement a performance-based payment methodology for the provision of such services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes. Stand for Quality - Initiative to codify the health care quality infrastructure that has operated outside the realm of Congress to this point. Administrative Simplification A policy proposal in the context of health insurance reform that would reduce administrative barriers between providers and health insurers. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations. Medical Liability Reform Numerous policy proposals have been developed that would seek to reform the federal medical liability laws. Price transparency Policy proposals have been discussed that would make pricing of health care services more transparent.

Price transparency amendment Proposed amendment to various bills in House Energy and Commerce Committee to mandate that states provide a system to have pricing information for hospitals and healthcare providers available to the public. ICD-10 - The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a proposed regulation that would replace the ICD-9-CM code sets now used to report health care diagnoses and procedures with ICD-10 code sets, effective Oct. 1, 2011. HR 2 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. S. 275 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - An original bill to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. HR 1 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. S. 336 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - An original bill making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. Health Care Reform The President and Congress have been developing plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. Stand for Quality Initiative to codify the health care quality infrastructure that has operated outside the realm of Congress to this point. Medicare Payment Bundling A proposal being discussed in Congress that would bundle payments to different health care providers by funneling those payments through a single provider. HR 1776 - Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2009 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the development of quality measures for inpatient hospital services, to implement a performance-based payment methodology for the provision of such services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes.

Health Care Reform The President and Congress have been developing plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. (Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Bill, House Tri-Committee Bill) HIT - HR 1 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. HR 1776 - Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2009 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the development of quality measures for inpatient hospital services, to implement a performance-based payment methodology for the provision of such services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes. Stand for Quality - Initiative to codify the health care quality infrastructure that has operated outside the realm of Congress to this point. Administrative Simplification A policy proposal in the context of health insurance reform that would reduce administrative barriers between providers and health insurers. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations.

Price transparency amendment Proposed amendment to various bills in House Energy and Commerce Committee to mandate that states provide a system to have pricing information for hospitals and healthcare providers available to the public. ICD-10 - The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a proposed regulation that would replace the ICD-9-CM code sets now used to report health care diagnoses and procedures with ICD-10 code sets, effective Oct. 1, 2011. HR 2 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. S. 275 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - An original bill to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. HR 1 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. S. 336 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - An original bill making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. Health Care Reform The President and Congress have been developing plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. Stand for Quality Initiative to codify the health care quality infrastructure that has operated outside the realm of Congress to this point. Medicare Payment Bundling A proposal being discussed in Congress that would bundle payments to different health care providers by funneling those payments through a single provider. HR 1776 - Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2009 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the development of quality measures for inpatient hospital services, to implement a performance-based payment methodology for the provision of such services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes.

Health Reform The President and Congress have been developing plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. (Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Bill, Senate Finance Bill, House Tri-Committee Bill, HR 3962, and HR 3590) HITECH Act - Implementation of meaningful use and privacy and security provisions in HITECH Act of 2009. Stand for Quality - Initiative to codify the health care quality infrastructure that has operated outside the realm of Congress to this point. HR 1776 - Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2009 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the development of quality measures for inpatient hospital services, to implement a performance-based payment methodology for the provision of such services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations. Medical Liability Reform Numerous policy proposals have been developed that would seek to reform the federal medical liability laws. Price transparency Policy proposals have been discussed that would make pricing of health care services more transparent. Healthcare Acquired Conditions/Infections There are a number of government activities related to reducing the number of healthcare acquired conditions or infections.

Health Care Reform The President and Congress have been developing plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. (Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Bill, House Tri-Committee Bill) HIT - HR 1 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. HR 1776 - Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2009 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the development of quality measures for inpatient hospital services, to implement a performance-based payment methodology for the provision of such services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes. Stand for Quality - Initiative to codify the health care quality infrastructure that has operated outside the realm of Congress to this point. Administrative Simplification A policy proposal in the context of health insurance reform that would reduce administrative barriers between providers and health insurers. Group Purchasing Organization Regulations Policy proposals have been discussed in the context of health reform that would result in additional federal regulation of Group Purchasing Organizations.

Price transparency amendment Proposed amendment to various bills in House Energy and Commerce Committee to mandate that states provide a system to have pricing information for hospitals and healthcare providers available to the public. ICD-10 - The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a proposed regulation that would replace the ICD-9-CM code sets now used to report health care diagnoses and procedures with ICD-10 code sets, effective Oct. 1, 2011. HR 2 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. S. 275 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - An original bill to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. HR 1 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. S. 336 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - An original bill making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. Health Care Reform The President and Congress have been developing plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. Stand for Quality Initiative to codify the health care quality infrastructure that has operated outside the realm of Congress to this point. Medicare Payment Bundling A proposal being discussed in Congress that would bundle payments to different health care providers by funneling those payments through a single provider. HR 1776 - Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2009 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the development of quality measures for inpatient hospital services, to implement a performance-based payment methodology for the provision of such services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes.

Price transparency amendment Proposed amendment to various bills in House Energy and Commerce Committee to mandate that states provide a system to have pricing information for hospitals and healthcare providers available to the public. ICD-10 - The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a proposed regulation that would replace the ICD-9-CM code sets now used to report health care diagnoses and procedures with ICD-10 code sets, effective Oct. 1, 2011. HR 2 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. S. 275 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - An original bill to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. HR 1 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. S. 336 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - An original bill making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. Health Care Reform The President and Congress have been developing plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. Stand for Quality Initiative to codify the health care quality infrastructure that has operated outside the realm of Congress to this point. Medicare Payment Bundling A proposal being discussed in Congress that would bundle payments to different health care providers by funneling those payments through a single provider. HR 1776 - Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2009 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the development of quality measures for inpatient hospital services, to implement a performance-based payment methodology for the provision of such services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes.

Price transparency amendment Proposed amendment to various bills in House Energy and Commerce Committee to mandate that states provide a system to have pricing information for hospitals and healthcare providers available to the public. ICD-10 - The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a proposed regulation that would replace the ICD-9-CM code sets now used to report health care diagnoses and procedures with ICD-10 code sets, effective Oct. 1, 2011. HR 2 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. S. 275 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - An original bill to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. HR 1 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. S. 336 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - An original bill making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. Health Care Reform The President and Congress have been developing plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. Stand for Quality Initiative to codify the health care quality infrastructure that has operated outside the realm of Congress to this point. Medicare Payment Bundling A proposal being discussed in Congress that would bundle payments to different health care providers by funneling those payments through a single provider. HR 1776 - Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2009 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the development of quality measures for inpatient hospital services, to implement a performance-based payment methodology for the provision of such services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes.

Price transparency amendment Proposed amendment to various bills in House Energy and Commerce Committee to mandate that states provide a system to have pricing information for hospitals and healthcare providers available to the public. ICD-10 - The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a proposed regulation that would replace the ICD-9-CM code sets now used to report health care diagnoses and procedures with ICD-10 code sets, effective Oct. 1, 2011. HR 2 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. S. 275 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - An original bill to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. HR 1 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. S. 336 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - An original bill making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. Health Care Reform The President and Congress have been developing plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. Stand for Quality Initiative to codify the health care quality infrastructure that has operated outside the realm of Congress to this point. Medicare Payment Bundling A proposal being discussed in Congress that would bundle payments to different health care providers by funneling those payments through a single provider. HR 1776 - Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2009 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the development of quality measures for inpatient hospital services, to implement a performance-based payment methodology for the provision of such services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes.

Price transparency amendment Proposed amendment to various bills in House Energy and Commerce Committee to mandate that states provide a system to have pricing information for hospitals and healthcare providers available to the public. ICD-10 - The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a proposed regulation that would replace the ICD-9-CM code sets now used to report health care diagnoses and procedures with ICD-10 code sets, effective Oct. 1, 2011. HR 2 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. S. 275 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - An original bill to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. HR 1 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. S. 336 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - An original bill making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. Health Care Reform The President and Congress have been developing plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. Stand for Quality Initiative to codify the health care quality infrastructure that has operated outside the realm of Congress to this point. Medicare Payment Bundling A proposal being discussed in Congress that would bundle payments to different health care providers by funneling those payments through a single provider. HR 1776 - Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2009 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the development of quality measures for inpatient hospital services, to implement a performance-based payment methodology for the provision of such services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes.

Price transparency amendment Proposed amendment to various bills in House Energy and Commerce Committee to mandate that states provide a system to have pricing information for hospitals and healthcare providers available to the public. ICD-10 - The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a proposed regulation that would replace the ICD-9-CM code sets now used to report health care diagnoses and procedures with ICD-10 code sets, effective Oct. 1, 2011. HR 2 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. S. 275 - Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 - An original bill to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to extend and improve the Children's Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes. HR 1 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. S. 336 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - An original bill making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. Health Care Reform The President and Congress have been developing plans to institute comprehensive reform of the health care delivery and payments systems in the United States. Stand for Quality Initiative to codify the health care quality infrastructure that has operated outside the realm of Congress to this point. Medicare Payment Bundling A proposal being discussed in Congress that would bundle payments to different health care providers by funneling those payments through a single provider. HR 1776 - Quality FIRST (From Incentives, Reporting, Standards, and Technology) Act of 2009 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the development of quality measures for inpatient hospital services, to implement a performance-based payment methodology for the provision of such services under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

HR 1409 - Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - To amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. S. 560 Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 - A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during the organizing efforts, and for other purposes.

HR1023 - To repeal the imposition of withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities.

HR1023 - To repeal the imposition of withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities.

HR1023 - To repeal the imposition of withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities.

HR1023 - To repeal the imposition of withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities.

HR1023 - To repeal the imposition of withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities.

Ban on Self-Referral to Physician-Owned Hospitals Provision that will prospectively ban the practice of physicians referring patients to hospitals that are owned by the physician. Disproportionate Share Payments As a part of the health reform debate there has been discussion of using a cut to Disproportionate Share (DSH) payments to hospitals as a way of paying for coverage expansion. Value based purchasing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative to more closely tie payments to providers with the quality of care provided. Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion. Medicare Payment Bundling A policy proposal being discussed in Congress that would bundle payments to different health care providers by funneling those payments through a single provider. In-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. Out-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking - Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. H.R.2124 - To extend subsections (c) and (d) of section 114 of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-173) to provide for regulatory stability during the development of facility and patient criteria for long-term care hospitals under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes. Rural Medicare DSH Equity Providing for equity in Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments between rural and urban hospitals.

Ban on Self-Referral to Physician-Owned Hospitals Provision that will prospectively ban the practice of physicians referring patients to hospitals that are owned by the physician. Disproportionate Share Payments As a part of the health reform debate there has been discussion of using a cut to Disproportionate Share (DSH) payments to hospitals as a way of paying for coverage expansion. Value based purchasing Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative to more closely tie payments to providers with the quality of care provided. Hospital Readmissions Policies A policy concept that would penalize hospitals for preventable readmissions to hospitals through Medicare reimbursement. Intended to save the Medicare system money in order to pay for a coverage expansion. Medicare Payment Bundling A policy proposal being discussed in Congress that would bundle payments to different health care providers by funneling those payments through a single provider. In-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. Out-Patient Prospective Payment System Rulemaking - Yearly CMS proposed rulemaking. H.R.2124 - To extend subsections (c) and (d) of section 114 of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-173) to provide for regulatory stability during the development of facility and patient criteria for long-term care hospitals under the Medicare Program, and for other purposes. Rural Medicare DSH Equity Providing for equity in Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments between rural and urban hospitals.