Tag: DataGen

Recording and Materials Available from Medicare Quality Based Program Webinars

Member News

The MHA recently partnered with DataGen to host two webinars focused on the three Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) quality-based programs. These programs, mandated by the Affordable Care Act of 2010, can reduce hospital inpatient FFS payments by up to 6% based on performance.

The Medicare value-based purchasing (VBP) program is funded by a 2% contribution from inpatient operating payments of eligible prospective payment system hospitals with these funds, totaling approximately $1.7 billion, redistributed among hospitals nationally. Each hospital’s total performance score is determined based on four program domains, comprised of various measures. Materials and the recording of the June 11 webinar are available.

The second webinar, focusing on the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (RRP) and Hospital-Acquired Conditions (HAC) Reduction Programs, was also held. The RRP evaluates Medicare FFS patients with six medical conditions and penalizes hospitals for exceeding expected readmission rates. The HAC program evaluates performance on six measures and penalizes hospitals in the worst performing quartile compared to all other eligible hospitals nationally. For these two programs, hospitals can remain whole or be subject to payment penalties of up to 3% for the RRP and 1% for the HAC program, with all penalties benefiting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Materials and the recording from the June 17 webinar are also available.

The MHA recently provided prospective payment system hospitals with the latest VBP and HAC program estimates through the hospital association reporting portal.

Members with questions should contact Vickie Kunz at the MHA.

MHA Monday Report June 2, 2025

Member News, Monday Report

MHA and DataGen to Host Upcoming Medicare Quality-Based Program Webinars

The MHA has partnered with DataGen to host two upcoming webinars focused on the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) quality-based programs which can reduce hospital inpatient FFS payments by up to 6% based on performance. The webinars …

MHA Releases Executive Summary of Recent MDHHS Blood Lead Testing Mandate Rules

The MHA recently released an executive summary regarding the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) adoption of new administrative rules establishing universal blood lead testing requirements for minors across the state. The goal of …

CMS Issues New Guidance on Hospital Price Transparency Requirements

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released updated guidance May 22 related to hospital price transparency requirements under Executive Order 14221, “Making America Healthy Again by Empowering Patients with Clear, Accurate and Actionable …

Language, Trust and Care: Reflections from the AHA Behavioral Health Workshop

I had the opportunity to attend at the end of April a Behavioral Health Workshop in New Orleans hosted by the American Hospital Association. This interactive event brought together hospital leaders, clinical teams and behavioral health professionals to co-design care

Keckley Report

The Summer of 2025 for U.S. Healthcare: What Organizations should Expect

“Last Thursday, the Make America Healthy Again Commission released its 68-page report “Making America’s Children Healthy Again Assessment” featuring familiar themes—the inadequacy of attention to chronic disease by the health system, the “over-medicalization” of patient care vis a vis prescription medicines et al, the contamination of the food-supply by harmful ingredients, and more. HHS Secretary Kennedy, EPA Administrator Zeldin and Agriculture Secretary Rollins pledged war on the corporate healthcare system ‘that has failed the public’ and an all-of-government approach to remedies for burgeoning chronic care needs. …

As MAHA promotes its agenda, Congress passes a budget and MAGA advances its anti-establishment agenda vis a vis DOGE et al, healthcare operators will be in limbo. The dust will settle somewhat this summer, but longer-term bets will be modified for most organizations as compliance risks change, state responsibilities expand, capital markets react and Campaign 2026 unfolds.

And in most households, concern about the affordability of medical care will elevate as federal and state funding cuts force higher out of pocket costs on consumers and demand for lower prices.

The summer will be busy for everyone in healthcare.”

Paul Keckley, May 27, 2025

Laura AppelMHA in the News

WLUC TV6 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula published a story May 29 on the shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds in Michigan, placing a heavy focus on the testimony the MHA delivered May 20 before the House …

MHA Monday Report May 26, 2025

Monday Report, Member News

MHA Testifies in House Oversight Subcommittee, IMLC and AOT Legislation Passes Senate

The MHA provided testimony May 21 to the House Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health & Food Security on certain challenges related to behavioral health patients and the need for inpatient psychiatric beds across the state. …

Medical Residents Highlight Workforce Needs During 2025 GME Capitol Day

The MHA Graduate Medical Education (GME) Capitol Day welcomed more than 40 physician residents from a dozen member hospitals to the MHA Capitol Advocacy Center offices May 21 for a day of meetings with members …

MHA Keystone Center PSO to Hosts Two Safe Tables in June

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) will host two upcoming safe table events in June focused on cybersecurity risk management and regulatory inspections. These events offer healthcare leaders an opportunity to engage in …

Federal Agencies Pause Enforcement of 2024 Mental Health Parity Rule

The Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury recently announced that the 2024 final rule on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act will not be enforced, following a legal …

MHA and DataGen to Host Upcoming Medicare Quality-Based Program Webinars

The MHA has partnered with DataGen to host two upcoming webinars focused on the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) quality-based programs which can reduce hospital inpatient FFS payments by up to 6% based on performance. The webinars …

Today’s Students Are Tomorrow’s Workforce

The healthcare workforce has been a top priority for MHA’s members, an active pillar in the annual strategic action plan for several years. The healthcare profession is arguably one of the most rewarding career fields, leaving lasting impacts on communities. …

Keckley Report

The Winners and Losers in One Big Beautiful Bill

“This week, Republicans in the House will pass “One Big Beautiful Bill” they can forward to the Senate ahead of their self-imposed Memorial Day deadline. Its fate in the GOP controlled Senate is likely to be less partisan with a similar outcome: in some form, it will pass setting the stage for Campaign 2026 partisan posturing and continued chaos for most industries especially healthcare.  …

What’s clear is this: healthcare is suspected of widespread waste, poor performance and putting profits above patient care by lawmakers in DC, state capitals, non-healthcare business leaders and the majority of the public who think a shake-up is needed. Each organization in healthcare believes it operates for the greater good and delivers optimal value for funds received. The budgeting process prompts questions about who’s right.”

Paul Keckley, May 19, 2025

New to KnowNews to Know

  • MHA offices will be closed and no formal meetings will be scheduled May 26 in honor of Memorial Day.
  • The MHA is seeking dedicated leaders to serve on its committees, councils and task forces, with the call for participation open through June 2, 2025.

Lauren LaPineMHA in the News

The MHA received news coverage during the week of May 19 highlighted by stories related to Mental Health Awareness Month and the need to expand state psychiatric bed capacity. Lauren LaPine, senior director, legislative and …