• NSA I-Tact

  05.28.24 I-Tact Standing Meeting Notes

  Posted by name on May 28, 2024 at 3:49 pm

  Overview:
  The team reviewed a recent successful Lobby Day and discussed ongoing advocacy efforts, including the PAC reception. They also analyzed the CMS dispute file and discussed improvements to the federal IDR process, with plans for external communication and member education.

  Action Items:
  

  1. Jennifer will post the document detailing the unappealed QPA elements in the I-TACT document section for reference.
  2. Greg will coordinate with the Rand survey team to expedite the data submission process, aiming for a late summer or early fall release.

  Lobby Day Recap and Positive Feedback:

  Randy reported on the recent lobby day where around 30 participants from both the House and Senate, including leadership, visited approximately 30 offices. They discussed three main issues: long-term fixes to the Medicare physician fee schedule, enforcement aspects of the No Surprises Act, and the reauthorization of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act. Randy noted that the day was well-organized, and the staff was knowledgeable about the issues. The group also had a productive debriefing session. Feedback from participants, including newcomers, was positive, with many noting the organization and knowledge of the staff as surprising and impressive.

  Staff Efforts for Representative Murphy and QPAs:
  Ed and Randy discussed the ongoing efforts of their staff, particularly Mary Moody, in support of Representative Murphy who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. Randy shared that Murphy’s office continues to advocate for the Enforcement Act despite his health condition. Ed showed interest in the April Second Advocacy letter and asked for an update on the effort. Randy agreed to share a letter from Brenna, which was sent to IDR entities, with the leadership in EDPMA. The team also discussed the issue of QPAs and the need for a form letter to communicate with members about this. Lastly, Randy reminded the team about the 835-remittance related to the change in healthcare attribution and the need for a declaration to avoid financial confusion.

  Ongoing Initiatives and Advocacy Efforts Update:
  The team discussed various ongoing initiatives and advocacy efforts. Ed mentioned a proposed letter to the Hill regarding the release of the IDR Operations Final Rule, with support from Murphy’s office and others. Randy noted a similar effort from Steve’s office. Additionally, Tony revealed that Congresswomen Joyce and Schreyer had sent a letter to agencies regarding QPA and lack of enforcement. The team also discussed the “No Surprise Implementation and Compliance Data Analysis” report, with plans for external communication through a press release and social media. Finally, they touched upon the Murphy Bill on enforcement, with bipartisan support and impending release.

  CMS Dispute Analysis and IDR Process Improvements:
  Shanna proposed that the team analyze the CMS dispute file to identify potential areas of interest and discussed further investigation into the applicable sections of the law regarding civil monetary penalties. Shanna also raised the issue of objections that can be filed at any time throughout the process. The team also discussed the new federal IDR process for resubmitting disputes, with the general consensus being that it’s an improvement. Lastly, it was decided to inform the relevant departments about the improvements made to the process and to write up a member communication explaining the unappealed elements of the QPA for those who might find it helpful in their final offer submission.

  Empowered Document, FHC Meeting, Rand Survey, Coordination:
  Greg offered assistance for the upcoming Rand survey project, aiming to meet the safe harbor 25% rule by late summer or early fall. Regular Monday meetings were restored, with Madison tasked to provide a calendar, and the team emphasized the importance of coordinated communications. New members were welcomed, and the team looked forward to working together for the remainder of the year.

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