Tag: Medicare Advantage

Prior Authorization in Medicare Advantage : Lawmakers Call for Streamlined Process

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 […]
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The Impact and Challenges of Medicare Advantage for Payers and Providers

The Impact and Challenges of Medicare Advantage for Payers and Providers

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 […]
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CMS Aims To Streamline Prior Authorization To Reform MA

CMS Aims To Streamline Prior Authorization To Reform MA

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 […]
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Value-Based Payment Models Can Limit Healthcare Spending

Value-Based Payment Models Can Limit Healthcare Spending

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 […]
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Is Medicare Advantage Really a Disadvantage?

Is Medicare Advantage Really a Disadvantage?

It’s autumn, and along with leaves changing color, pumpkin spice lattes, and cooler weather comes an avalanche of TV ads, commercials, and telephone marketing calls, all entreating us to believe that Medicare Advantage (MA) is the best thing since the invention of the cell phone. With open enrolment season upon us, it’s critical to examine […]
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Prior Authorization Reform in Medicare Advantage

Prior Authorization Reform in Medicare Advantage

Prior Authorization reform in Medicare Advantage would help relieve administrative burden for medical groups and reduce patient care delays, MGMA said. The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) has urged CMS to implement policies that support prior authorization reform and value-based care contracts within the Medicare Advantage program. MGMA submitted comments to CMS Administrator in response […]
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CMS Issues Contract Year 2023 Final Rule for Medicare Advantage Organizations and Prescription Drug Sponsors

CMS Issues Contract Year 2023 Final Rule for Medicare Advantage Organizations and Prescription Drug Sponsors

  On April 29, 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”), issued the final rule on Contract Year 2023 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs (the “Final Rule”).  CMS promotes the Final Rule as advancing “CMS’ strategic vision of expanding access to affordable health care […]
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