In the News
February 14, 2012 -
The rebate drug product data file [ZIP] contains the active drugs that have been reported by participating drug manufacturers as of the most recent rebate reporting period under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. All drugs are identified by National Drug Code (NDC), unit type, units per package size, product name, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval date, the date the drug entered the market, plus indicators to show whether the drug is an innovator or non-innovator drug; whether it is available by prescription or over-the-counter (OTC); the FDA therapeutic equivalency code; and the Drug Efficacy Study Implementation (DESI) rating and termination date, if applicable. (Note: Only active drugs and drugs with a termination date on or after the last processed quarter are included in the file). For your convenience, we are also providing you the record specification and definitions for the drug product data file [PDF]
(Source: Medicaid.gov)
CMS announces the Prior Authorization of Power Mobility Devices (PMDs) Demonstration and
the Recovery Audit Prepayment Review Demonstration
On November 15, 2011 Centers for Medicare and Medicare (CMS) announced three demonstration projects that aim to strengthen Medicare by eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse. Reductions in improper payments will help ensure the sustainability of the Medicare Trust Funds and protect beneficiaries who depend upon the Medicare program.
CMS is pleased to announce that the Prior Authorization of Power Mobility Devices (PMDs) Demonstration and the Recovery Audit Prepayment Review Demonstration which were delayed from their initial January 1, 2012 start date are expected to move forward on or after June 1, 2012. For additional information on these demonstrations please visit http://go.cms.gov/cert-demos
These demonstrations will begin after receipt of a paperwork reduction act (PRA) Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The CMS posted a PRA notification from these demonstrations on February 3, 2012 at http://www.cms.gov/PaperworkReductionActof1995/PRAL/list.asp
The CMS significantly revised the Prior Authorization of PMDs demonstration in response to provider and supplier concerns. For more information on the adopted changes please visit http://go.cms.gov/PAdemo
The Part A to Part B Rebilling Demonstration began on January 1, 2012. Click here to view Federal Register notice: https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2012-02821.pdf
October 13th, 2011 - HHS Announces Record Number of National Health Service Corps Members
More than 10,000 primary care providers– largest number in history supported by Obama Administration investments. Read More
October 12th, 2011 - HRSA awards $3.4 million for children and youth with special health care needs
The Health Resources and Services Administration awarded $3.4 million to programs in 19 states working to improve the system of services for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN).
“The investments in these programs will work to improve the system of services for these children by expanding access to a medical home, enhancing care coordination, providing transition services for youth and building partnerships between families and professionals,” said HRSA Administrator Mary K. Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N. Read More
