What We're Reading: Appealing the 340B Ruling; Medicaid Payment Errors; Reducing Veterans' Suicides

Hospital Groups to Appeal 340B Ruling

The American Hospital Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and America's Essential Hospitals will appeal a ruling that dismissed a lawsuit over 340B cuts. According to The Hill, the initial lawsuit was dismissed on December 29, because it was filed before the rule took effect. The rule will result in $1.6 billion in cuts to hospitals participating in 340B, and the hospital groups are arguing that the change violates federal law.

Poor Oversight Led to Medicaid Payment Errors

A report from the Government Accountability Office found that a lack of oversight of Medicaid data resulted in $36.7 billion in payment errors in 2017, alone. Healthcare Finance reported that those payment errors are up from an estimated $14.4 billion in fiscal year 2013. Last year, 49 states began reporting data to the national repository, but data challenges, such as incomplete data, have hindered oversight.

Executive Order Expands Mental Health Care for Veterans

A new executive order is attempting to reduce suicides among transitioning veterans as they leave the military. The order provides new veterans with mental health care for at least 1 year after they leave the military, reported The Washington Post. President Donald Trump has given 60 days for the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs to develop a joint plan, and they are expected to report back to the president within 180 days on the implementation of the new plan.