Healthcare in Flux: Key Policy Shifts Impact ASCs and ACA Subsidies
Becker's ASC
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
Recent federal policy changes are significantly impacting Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs), particularly concerning the Affordable Care Act's enhanced tax subsidies, which could expire soon and affect over 20 million Americans reliant on ACA marketplace plans. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a 2.6% payment increase for ASCs, alongside phasing out the inpatient-only list and streamlining outpatient payments. However, the ASC Quality Reporting Program will not implement several proposed metrics, including COVID-19 vaccination reporting, which raises questions about quality oversight in these settings. These developments underscore the ongoing shifts in healthcare policy that professionals must navigate, as they may influence operational funding and patient care strategies.
