Endless summer fun continues at our member facilities! Even though August is here, members are participating in exciting activities and events that keep the good times rolling all season long.

In a blog published in Health Affairs Forefront, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services described its progress to date in the CMS accountable care strategy, and outlined areas CMS is exploring in 2023 to build on these efforts to accelerate the growth of and access to Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) that can support improved care experience and quality for beneficiaries, especially those in rural and underserved areas.

The Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2023 awards. Scholarships from $500 to $2,000 will be awarded to selected applicants to cover direct, out of pocket expenses for tuition, fees, books, and supplies incurred during the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.

Skilled nursing facilities must report their 2023 Quarter 1 (December 26, 2022 - March 26, 2023) Weekly Healthcare Personnel COVID-19 Vaccination Summary data to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) by August 15, 2023.

On August 2, 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration posted for public comment a proposal to amend Massachusetts’ Section 1115 Demonstration (“1115 Demonstration”). The amendment proposes additional innovative flexibilities under the 1115 Demonstration that was approved on September 28, 2022.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) earlier this week issued its federal fiscal year 2024 (FFY 2024) Medicare SNF PPS rule, covering October 2023 through September 2024.

The Legislature this week enacted and sent to Governor Healey its FY 2024 state budget recommendation totaling $56 billion, which includes $283 million over the current FY 2023 Medicaid nursing facility budget appropriation.

Member Update: CMS Issues FFY 2024 Medicare SNF PPS Rule; MassHealth Trading Partner Testing Update

Member Update: Legislature Enacts and Sends to Governor FY 2024 Budget