CMS announces new ‘innovations’ to Medicare Advantage plans
The federal government announced a broad array of changes to Medicare Advantage plans last week in hopes it will further pressure providers to up their game in caring for seniors.
Medicare Advantage
New Medicare Advantage rules boost payments to plans, promise drug savings
Medicare Advantage plans will get 3.4% more in federal payments next year, while beneficiaries can hope for drug prices to decline.
CMS proposes Medicare Advantage and Part D updates, including 1.84% payment increase
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued Medicare Advantage and Part D updates that include an average payment increase of 1.84% and policy changes that include new supplemental benefits for services that improve health and quality of life.
AHCA warns automatic Medicare Advantage enrollment could ‘significantly impact’ plan sponsors, beneficiaries, providers
The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living said proposed changes in Medicare Advantage in 2019 could hurt beneficiaries in a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Also in the News for Friday, Jan. 19
As predicted, HHS announces new division to protect healthcare workers’ “rights of conscience and religious freedom” … Canadian EMTs deliver flu care to nursing homes, heading off ER visits … Study finds thousands of patients would go to lower quality nursing homes on Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage partnership announced
naviHealth, a Cardinal Health company, will now manage post-acute care for enrollees in the MVP Health Care Medicare Advantage program, the company announced this month.
Justice Department investigating Humana billing practices
Humana Inc. reports that it is cooperating with a Department of Justice inquiry into whether it exaggerated the severity of elderly patients’ illnesses to generate higher Medicare reimbursements.
Understanding consumer choice
If you operate a senior living facility, here is something to put at the very top of your to-do list: Survey your residents to understand the choices they have made in the Medicare open enrollment period, which is closing tomorrow.
Medicare Advantage funding could be cut
Supporters of Medicare Advantage program are roundly criticizing President Obama’s fiscal 2016 budget plan to slash more than $36 billion in its funding over the coming decade.
Also in the news for Sept. 19, 2014
Americans are the most worried about losing their eyesight as they age, poll says …. AHCA says MedPAC Chairman is ‘spot-on’ with three-day stay comments … Medicare Advantage enrollment rises for fifth straight year, CMS says.
