By Julie Appleby – Medicare plans to test new ways to pay for prescription medications given in doctors’ offices and hospital outpatient centers — moves likely to win praise from some policy experts, but opposition from facilities and practitioners.
Read More
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released proposed changes for the Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Programs in 2017 that will, if finalized, provide stable and fair payments to plans, and makes unprecedented improvements to the program for plans that provide high quality care to the most vulnerable enrollees.
By Shefali Luthra – A growing number of primary care doctors, spurred by the federal health law and frustrations with insurance requirements, are bringing a service that generally has been considered “health care for billionaires” to middle-income, Medicaid and Medicare populations.
By Andy Slavitt & Niall Brennan – Just over a month ago, HHS convened a forum that brought together consumers, providers, employers, manufacturers, health insurance companies, representatives from state and federal government, and other stakeholders to discuss ideas on how our country can meet the dual imperatives of encouraging drug development and innovation, while ensuring access and affordability.
By Donald Moulds PhD – Six years ago, as a new president was taking office and the prospect of significant health care reform was moving from pipe dream to possibility, the city of McAllen, Texas, was thrust into the national spotlight.
By Dr. Patrick Conway – Almost a year ago, the Administration announced a vision for the future of the Medicare program, including clear goals and a timeline for shifting Medicare payments from volume to value. CMS is continually working to turn this vision into reality through annual rulemaking and the CMS Innovation Center, building on bipartisan ideas, initiatives and legislation from both Congress and the states.
CMS released the Calendar Year 2016 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System policy changes, quality provisions, and payment rates final rule with comment period on October 30, 2015.
By Patrick Conway – As part of its ongoing work to identify more effective ways to serve Medicare beneficiaries, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation Center announced the Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design Model.
CMS issued 2014 quality and financial performance results showing that Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) continue to improve the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries, while generating financial savings.