WCDO Radio News

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Wednesday the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has reversed its eligibility criteria for Critical Access Hospital status. The program allows rural healthcare providers to receive federal reimbursements to help ensure they are able to service patients. The rule reversal is expected to go into effect January 1st.

The State Department of Health made $965 million in payments to providers, including facilities, for services ordered, prescribed, referred, and attended by practitioners who were not enrolled in the health care program, including those who had been barred due to misconduct, according to an audit released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. DiNapoli recommended that the Department of Health Review the $965 million in payments for Medicaid claims involving inactive providers and determine an appropriate course of action; Enhance controls to prevent improper payments and Update guidelines to clarify billing requirements.