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The decision means a moratorium the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services placed on new enrollments for brokers and firms has been lifted. The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals said it will begin training professionals immediately to operate on the federal exchange, and open enrollment is already underway.

Congress in Washington, D.C., is working on legislation to possibly expand Medicare coverage payments for phjysicians.

The 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule includes conversion factors lower than what CMS originally proposed. In addition, a controversial policy many cardiologists are required to participate in is still set to go live on Jan. 1. 

Pediatrics

The list includes diagnostics and common care associated with oncology, orthopedics and ENT care for patients under the age of 18. The company framed the change as a part of its ongoing commitment to eliminate 30% of all pre-care reimbursement approvals by 2027.

The big announcement was made on Wednesday, and many of the details are still being worked out ahead of the planned 2028 split of the company. For now, the plan is for CVS Health to retain its core Caremark and Aetna businesses, with the pharmacy company to take over prescription drug sales and urgent care services.

The agency did not name the companies or accuse them of wrongdoing. Instead, it told the companies they are ‘on notice’ and reminded them about federal laws, including the limited use of telemarketing.

Covid Test

Syed Murtuza Kablazada, 36, an Indian national and resident of Illinois, could spend 20 years behind bars for submitting false medical claims for COVID-19 tests to the federal healthcare program. Authorities said Medicare paid out $136 million for lab results that were faked.