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CMS Seeks to Update Payments, Policies for Medicare Health and Drug Plans
CMS has released proposed changes for the Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Programs that help build a better, smarter healthcare system and move the Medicare program toward paying providers based on quality of care.
CMS has released proposed changes for the coming year for the Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Programs that will advance HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell’s vision of building a better, smarter healthcare system and moving the Medicare program, and the healthcare system at large, toward paying providers based on the quality, rather than the quantity of care they give patients.
“The proposed rates will enhance the stability of Medicare Advantage program and minimize disruption to seniors and care providers," said Andy Slavitt, CMS principal deputy administrator. "The policies in the Notice and Call Letter will continue the movement to reward providers of high quality, consumer-friendly care for the Medicare Advantage and Part D programs."
Read more at CMS' website: http://go.cms.gov/1ERenJH
Hospital Participation in Medicare ACOs: No Change in Admission Practices and Spending
August 19th 2025Hospital accountable care organization (ACO) participation did not impact emergency department admission rates, length of stay, or costs, suggesting limited effectiveness in reducing spending for unplanned admissions and challenging hospital-led ACO cost-saving strategies.
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Laundromats as a New Frontier in Community Health, Medicaid Outreach
May 29th 2025Lindsey Leininger, PhD, and Allister Chang, MPA, highlight the potential of laundromats as accessible, community-based settings to support Medicaid outreach, foster trust, and connect families with essential health and social services.
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Care Quality Metrics in Medicare During COVID-19 Pandemic
August 12th 2025Medicare Advantage outperformed traditional Medicare on clinical quality measures before and during the COVID-19 pandemic; mid-pandemic, however, traditional Medicare narrowed the gap on some in-person screenings.
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