On July 13, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year (CY) 2024 Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) proposed rule. Comments are due Sept. 11.
In the proposed rule, the CMS proposed to increase payment rates by 2.8% for items and services paid under the OPPS. Hospitals must meet the hospital outpatient quality reporting requirements to be eligible for the full update. The agency would use the most recent updated cost reports and claims data available for the CY 2024 OPPS ratesetting.
The rule includes a proposal to reimburse 340B Drug Pricing Program-acquired drugs at average sales price plus 6%. The CMS also seeks feedback on establishing a payment under the Inpatient Prospective Payment System for hospitals to establish and maintain access to a buffer stock of essential medicine to foster a more reliable, resilient supply. Payment could begin as early as for cost-reporting periods beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2024. An adjustment under the OPPS could be considered for future years.
The CMS also proposed several changes to measures in the Outpatient Quality Reporting Program and seeks feedback on future measure considerations, including promoting patient and workforce safety.
- Washington Highlights