In a flurry of announcements July 28, CMS released its payment and policy changes for three Medicare payment systems in fiscal year 2017: skilled nursing facilities, hospice benefit and inpatient rehabilitation facilities.

CMS announced a small jump in the average monthly premium in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans in 2017, up to $34.

Hospital readmission rates are often used as indicators of the institutions’ effectiveness and getting and keeping patients healthy. It turns out, 30 percent of those short-term readmissions for children could be avoided, according to a new study in the journal Pediatrics. 

Here’s a roundup of healthcare news from around the country, including the relaunch of CHIP in Arizona and 400 Massachusetts doctors switching to a rival network.

Patients with Alzheimer’s disease or some form of related dementia were “significantly more likely” to be hospitalized for avoidable reasons, according to a new study published in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Reliq Health Technologies, a telemedicine solutions company based in Vancouver, has appointed a new member to its board of directors.

The U.S. is investing in the effort to combat drug-resistant bacteria through an international partnership including public and private entities, according to the Wall Street Journal. 

Inpatient psychiatric facility payments will increase by 2.2 percent, or $100 million, under the Medicare payment and policy changes for fiscal year 2017.