Published on November 20, 2024
The Latest in ASTCT Advocacy: November 2024
by ASTCT Advocacy Update
CY 2025 MPFS Final Rule and CY 2025 OPPS Final Rule
On November 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule detailing changes for Medicare payments under the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and other Medicare Part B policies, set to take effect on or after January 1, 2025. This CY 2025 PFS final rule is part of a broader Administration strategy aimed at creating a more equitable health care system with improved accessibility, quality, affordability, empowerment, and innovation for all Medicare beneficiaries. On the same day, CMS also released the finalized Medicare payment rates for hospital outpatient and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) services for CY 2025, as part of the annually published Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and ASC Payment System final rule. Read more about the PFS final rule and Read more about the OPPS and ASC final rule.
ASTCT is still reviewing the rules and more information will be forthcoming.
ASTCT Advocates for Key Legislation at Hill Day in D.C.
ASTCT's Hill Day took place on September 9-10, where members of the ASTCT Government Relations Committee and Board of Directors met with Congressional offices to advocate for critical issues in the field of transplant. Key legislative asks included support for the Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act (H.R. 4758/S. 2372), the Alleviating Barriers to Caregivers Act (H.R. 8018/S. 3109), a Medicaid Mandate for Out-of-State Medicare Enrollee Benefit and increased NIH funding for life-saving research.
On September 17, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act, which streamlines the process for pediatric patients on Medicaid to access out-of-state care faster. ASTCT, in partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and NMDP, played an integral role in advocating for this bill and will continue efforts for its passage in the Senate.
ASTCT urges members to contact their Senators to support this vital legislation, ensuring children with life-threatening conditions can receive the care they need without delay.
Learn more.
Mark Your Calendars for the 2025 ASTCT Committee on Government Relations Spotlight Session
Mark your calendars for ASTCT's Government Relations Spotlight Session titled "Inside the Administration - Insight into the Federal Government and How We Can Make a Lasting Impact" at the 2025 Tandem Meetings of ASTCT and CIBMTR in Honolulu, Hawaii.
This 90-minute session will take place on Friday, February 14, from 1:30 – 3:00 pm HST and will feature a panel discussion on the best ways to become an effective advocate at the federal level.
HCT Billing and Code Guide Coming Soon
ASTCT, in partnership with NMDP, is working on the HCT Billing and Code Guide, set to be released later this year. The Government Relations and Administrators SIG are collaborating to develop a comprehensive resource to support healthcare providers with accurate billing and coding for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).
For more information and existing resources, visit the HCT Coding and Billing Resources page, which includes guides on coverage, coding updates and Medicare policies.
Learn more.
Webinar Available: Immune Effector Cell Therapies: Best Practices for Financial and Administrative Operations Success
Hosted on October 10 by ASTCT’s Payer Relations Committee, this recent webinar, “Immune Effector Cell Therapies: Best Practices for Financial and Administrative Operations Success,” offers essential guidance on patient authorization workflows, interdisciplinary roles, and administrative strategies for successful IEC therapy programs. Led by experienced faculty, the session covers best practices, common challenges, and tips for reimbursement to help centers enhance their administrative workflows for these complex therapies.
Watch now.
![]()