Four things to know:
1. CMS proposed a 1.59 percent rate hike to private Medicare plans.
2. The agency also wants to give private Medicare insurers more flexibility to serve chronically ill patients. For example, Medicare Advantage plans can target supplemental benefits to chronically ill members, such as transportation for nonmedical needs, home-delivered meals, food and produce.
3. CMS also strongly encouraged private Part D plans to provide lower cost-sharing for opioid-reversal agents like naloxone. The agency also proposed to advance opioid-related measures through the Star Ratings development process.
4. CMS will accept comments on the proposals through March 1. The final rate announcement is set to be published by April 1.
Find the full draft call letter here.
More articles on payers:
Anthem to release PBM earlier than expected: 4 things to know
BCBS of Louisiana adds VP
Aetna inks $200M reinsurance deal with health insurance company
At the Becker's 5th Annual Fall Payer Issues Roundtable, taking place November 2–3 in Chicago, payer executives and healthcare leaders will come together to discuss value-based care, regulatory changes, cost management strategies and innovations shaping the future of payer-provider collaboration. Apply for complimentary registration now.
