Federal Officials Propose Small Boost In Medicare Advantage Rates
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has proposed an average 1.35 percent increase in the rate the government pays private Medicare Advantage plans for 2017.
The Wall Street Journal:
Federal Regulators Propose Increase To Medicare Advantage Rates
Federal regulators proposed what they said was a slight rise in payments for insurers that offer private Medicare plans, a closely watched figure as this coverage becomes increasingly central to the companies’ business. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimated that the Medicare Advantage rate proposal represented a 1.35% increase on average for 2017, though the agency said the insurers would likely see overall revenue increase about 3.55% as they deliver—and bill for—more intensive services. (Wilde Mathews, 2/19)
Reuters:
U.S. Proposes Hike In Medicare Advantage Payments; Insurer Shares Rise
The U.S. government on Friday proposed raising payments by 1.35 percent on average next year to the health insurers who offer Medicare Advantage health benefits to elderly and disabled Americans. Payments to insurers will vary under the 2017 Medicare Advantage proposal, based on the region the plans are sold and on the size of bonus payments insurers can receive based on quality ratings, the government said. (Humer, 2/19)
Modern Healthcare:
OMB Receives CMS Rules Overhauling Medicaid
The CMS has sent a sweeping finalized rule that will overhaul the managed Medicaid program to the Office of Management and Budget for review. The 653-page proposed version of the rule suggested the biggest changes in Medicaid managed-care regulations in more than a decade. It would cap insurer profits, require states to more rigorously supervise the adequacy of plans' provider networks, encourage states to establish quality rating systems for plans, allow more behavioral healthcare in institutional settings and encourage the growth of managed long-term care. (Dickson, 2/19)
