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MedPAC sings ‘chorus of compliments’ for revamped hospital quality measures
The commissioners debated its details, but overall, they were enthusiastic about a proposal to redesign Medicare’s hospital quality reporting system.
MedPAC searches for ways to reach Medicare-eligible individuals who still aren’t enrolled
Poor communication combined with a change in Social Security policy is keeping some people who are eligible for Medicare out of the program.
MedPAC considers ‘4-in-1’ post-acute care payment system
The commission could soon recommend a simplified, site-neutral system that would make costs more predictable and potentially pull SNFs, rehab facilities, long-term care hospitals and home health into one tiered system.
NEJM study says independent physician ACOs saved Medicare more than hospital-integrated ACOs
While physician group ACOs saved Medicare millions, hospital-integrated ACOs cost the program even more than usual, the Harvard-based researchers found.
Gottlieb announces new efforts to streamline device approval process, with help from insurers
In the first of several announcements today, the FDA commissioner said two more insurers are joining a program that allows payers to tell manufacturers what information they need to make coverage decisions.
WellCare closes $2.5B acquisition of Meridian
Although WellCare hasn’t offered exchange plans since 2016, its CEO says this move positions it for “growth within government-sponsored programs.”
8 people are in the running to take McCain’s Senate seat. How do they feel about the ACA?
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has generally supported efforts to repeal the ACA. The individual he appoints could support repeal as well—but not necessarily.
Payer Roundup—Baldwin introduces bill to overturn AHP rule; DOJ wants new judge in work requirements case
A joint resolution introduced this week in the Senate with 30 co-sponsors would overturn the administration’s recent expansion of association health plans. Plus: The Department of Justice says the judge assigned to the Arkansas work requirements is … i…
CMMI director: Home visits could be focus of upcoming Medicare demos
As founder of Landmark Health, Adam Boehler sees home visits as one way to move from volume to value. To fill the physician gap, nurses and other medical professionals could join in this effort.
Patients with the most to gain from digital health hardly engage with new tools
Maintaining the human element and keeping out-of-pocket costs down could be key to expanding telemedicine and wearable devices, according to the latest Rock Health survey, particularly among chronic care patients that have the most to gain.
