Based on FAIR Health’s Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker, the national decline in private insurance telehealth claims reached 5.4% in April, comprising 5.3% of all medical claims. This reduction can be observed across all four U.S. census regions: the Midwest (4.7%), Northeast (6.3%), South (6.8%), and West (6.4%). On average, patient visits lasted between 20 and […]
CMS has proposed a rule to simplify prior authorization in government-sponsored health insurance programs. However, some lawmakers are urging the agency to do more. A bipartisan coalition of 233 representatives and 61 senators have written a letter to CMS requesting that the proposed rules be expanded and that the changes be finalized quickly to enhance […]
Medicare Advantage (MA) is becoming more appealing to payers due to its numerous benefits, but providers are struggling to adjust to its effects. Payers are increasingly recognizing the advantages of MA, especially in terms of profitability. According to a study conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), MA insurers disclosed an average gross margin of […]
Despite ongoing concerns about denials and beneficiary access to care, Medicare Advantage (MA) companies remain in the spotlight as their market penetration continues to grow. In April 2022, a report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) highlighted a significant issue in the capitated payment model employed […]
A new final rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will make it harder for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to require prior authorizations for their coverage The rule comes in the wake of a 2022 report from the Office of Inspector General of the US Department of Health and Human Services that […]
One Medicare Advantage plan used the Ribbon tool to focus on quality measures and saw a 342% net increase in users achieving a 4+ star rating. Increased data transparency between health plans and providers on care and coding gaps results in higher compliance, process improvement and positive behavior changes among network providers, according to a […]
Happy New Year! 2023 has already started and as with every year, the new Medicare out-of-pocket rates take effect. And while the out-of-pocket costs for care should not affect how we care for our patients, it often comes up in conversations, so let us review the numbers. The Medicare Part A deductible goes up to […]
The American Hospital Association (AHA) and Better Medicare Alliance (BMA) both support the agency’s effort to improve Medicare Advantage (MA). In an attempt to reform MA, CMS released a proposed rule that aims to streamline prior authorization, promote health equity, and curb deceptive marketing. The Biden administration has shown a commitment to increasing oversight of […]
Value-based payment models, including accountable care organizations, bundled payment models, and capitation models, can generate savings for providers and limit healthcare spending. As healthcare spending escalates in the US, stakeholders have started looking at value-based payment models to address rising costs, but many payments are still tied to fee-for-service models, according to a Health Affairs […]
Time is running out for Congress to take action on pending legislation dealing with issues that would help primary care across the United States. Six physician groups representing 590,000 doctors across the country sent a joint letter again urging congressional leaders to vote – soon – for bills relating to Medicare reimbursements, prior authorizations, children’s […]