The House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee has scheduled a July 17, 2018 hearing on "Modernizing Stark Law to Ensure the Successful Transition from Volume to Value in the Medicare Program." In announcing the hearing, Subcommittee Chairman Peter Roskam stated that "the lack of Stark modernization is a clear barrier to reforms that reward better outcomes and higher value care." This echoes CMS Administrator Seema Verma's recent blog post acknowledging that "[i]n its current form, the physician self-referral law may prohibit some relationships that are designed to enhance care coordination, improve quality, and reduce waste." As previously reported, CMS is accepting comments through August 24, 2018 on the Stark Act's impact on participation in integrated delivery models, alternative payment models, and other coordinated care arrangements. The Ways and Means hearing will review the Administration's efforts in this area and examine stakeholder recommendations for Congressional action.
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