Communications

(July 26, 2024) – GAO Report Recommends Strengthened Oversight of State's Medicaid Eligibility Review Practices
A Government Accountability Office report reviews state practices relating to Medicaid eligibility verification and documents the significant shortcomings common to several states. The GAO recommends that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services document and implement the oversight practices the agency learned during unwinding, which were needed to prevent and detect state compliance issues with redetermination requirements.

CDC Issues Health Advisory about Disruptions in Availability of Blood Culture Bottles
The CDC issued a health advisory regarding the disruptions in the availability of Becton Dickinson BACTEC™ blood culture bottles. The advisory includes recommended steps for facilities impacted by this shortage and resources for prioritizing blood cultures in both pediatric and adult populations.

In addition, the Infectious Disease Society of America held a clinician call, which covered insights into how facilities are addressing the bottle shortage.

MLN Connects Provider eNews Available
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued the following updates to MLN Connects Provider eNews:

• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Announce Resources and Flexibilities to Assist with Public Health Emergency in Texas
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Oral Health Cross-Cutting Initiative Fact Sheet
• Doctors and Clinicians: Utilization Data on Medicare.gov Compare Tool
• Help Improve the Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Reports and Comparative Billing Reports
• Viral Hepatitis: Talk with Your Patients About Shots and Screenings