CMS issues hospital outpatient/ASC proposed rule, including additional 340B cuts

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today released the calendar year 2021 outpatient prospective payment system/ambulatory surgical center proposed rule.

In addition to standard updates, the rule would further reduce the payment rate for certain drugs purchased under the 340B drug savings program, expand the list of outpatient services subject to prior authorization, eliminate the inpatient-only list over three years, make significant changes to the hospital star ratings methodology, and change the physician-owned hospital policy.

Comments on the proposed rule are due by Oct. 5.

In a statement, AHA Executive Vice President Tom Nickels said the proposed rule continues to threaten the financial viability of hospitals and health systems and their ability to provide care for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. View AHA’s complete statement for specific comments related to proposals on 340B, physician-owned hospitals, the inpatient-only list, star ratings and more.