2015 Public Comments
When relevant legislation, regulations, guidance, and other opportunities to shape policy related to health services research arise, UnityPoint Health may decide it is appropriate to develop an official position. The UnityPoint Health Government & External Affairs department serves as the primary liaison for regulatory submissions in response to state and federal rule-making and public requests for information, as well as communications advocating changes in state and federal policy direction or strategic initiatives.
Federal Comments
Discharge Planning Requirements
Agency: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Revisions to Requirements for Discharge Planning for Hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals, and Home Health Agencies
Additional Information on Proposed Rule
Rural Broadband Funding
Agency: Universal Service Administration Company (USAC)
Request for feedback on the Rural Health Care Program, including the Healthcare Connect Fund (HCF) program
MACRA RFI
Request for Information Regarding Implementation of the Merit Based Incentive Payment System, Promotion of Alternative Payment Models, and Incentive Payments for Participation in Eligible Alternative Payment Models
- UnityPoint Health Comment on MACRA RFI, November 2015
Additional Information on MACRA RFI
- MACRA RFI, October 2015
Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CCCJR)
Agency: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CCCJR) Payment Model for Acute Care Hospitals Furnishing Lower Extremity Joint Replacement Services
- UnityPoint Health Comment on CCJR, September 2015
Additional Information on Proposed Rule
- Proposed Rule on CCJR, July 2015
- Final Rule on CCJR, November 2015
- Correction to Final Rule on CCJR, March 2016
Home Health PPS
Agency: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
CY 2016 Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update; Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model; and Home Health Quality Reporting Requirements
- UnityPoint at Home Comment on Home Health Proposed Rule, September 2015
Additional Information on Proposed Rule
- Proposed Rule on Home Health Prospective Payment System, July 2015
- Final Rule on Home Health Prospective Payment System, November 2015
Advanced Primary Care Request for Information
Agency: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI)
RFI on advanced primary care innovations, particularly mechanisms to encourage more comprehensive primary care delivery; to improve the care of patients with complex needs; to facilitate robust connections to the medical neighborhood and community-based services; and to move payment from encounter-based towards value-driven, population-based care.
Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP)
Agency: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Medicare Shared Savings Program: Accountable Care Organizations
- UnityPoint Clinic Comment on MSSP Proposed Rule, February 2015
- UnityPoint Health Comment on MSSP Proposed Rule, February 2015
Additional Information on Proposed Rule
- Proposed Rule on MACRA, December 2014
- Final Rule on MACRA, June 2015
State Comments
Under construction
Legislative Positions and Collaborative Sign-On Letters
Under construction
For Further Information:
Please email Cathy Simmons, Executive Director of Government and External Affairs.
Contact Us
UnityPoint Health
Government & External Affairs
1776 West Lakes Parkway
West Des Moines, Iowa 50266