AHA comments on outpatient PPS proposed rule for CY 2021

The AHA today submitted comments on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ outpatient prospective payment system and ambulatory surgical center payment system proposed rule for calendar year 2021. The association continues its “steadfast opposition” to any payment cuts made to 340B hospitals, arguing that the Department of Health and Human Services “does not have the legal authority to punitively target 340B hospitals.”

Citing patient safety risks, AHA also strongly opposed the rule’s proposals to eliminate the inpatient-only list, remove certain restrictions on the expansion of physician-owned hospitals that qualify as high-Medicaid facilities, and change the ASC covered procedures list. The association applauded CMS’ proposed changes to the hospital overall star ratings. Read the full letter for AHA’s detailed comments on the rule.