CMS Makes Changes to Payment Policies for Medicare Plans
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently proposed payment policy changes for Medicare Advantage and Part D drug programs in 2030, and is now soliciting public input on a variety of payment updates.
CMS issued the Calendar Year 2023 Advance Notice for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans on Feb. 2, and is now requesting public comments on that document for 30 days.
One potential change to MA and Part D would be including quality measures for developing star ratings, which would take into account how well each plan advances health equity and social needs like food insecurity, housing insecurity and transportation problems.
According to CMS, the proposed policy changes would create more choices and provide more affordable options for consumers who have unique health needs.
“The Health Equity Index we seek comment on would enhance the Star Ratings program, creating transparency on how Medicare Advantage plans care for our most disadvantaged beneficiaries, and providing an opportunity to encourage improvements in their care,” said CMS Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Medicare Meena Seshamani, in a written statement.
Among the considerations, CMS will also be collecting input to assess the impact of using sub-state geographic levels of rate setting for enrollees with end-stage renal disease, and new measures to assess whether and how MA plans are transforming care through value-based models with providers.
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