Latest Morning Briefing Stories
There’s bipartisan support for legislation that would eliminate the Affordable Care Act’s Independent Payment Advisory Board, meaning that one of the few ways to limit Medicare spending growth could soon be gone. What other tools could control Medicare spending?
Medicare ‘Doc Fix’ Affects Non-Doctor Providers, Too
The replacement for Medicare’s sustainable growth rate formula affects not just physicians, but also nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychologists and other types of providers. Leaders of several California provider groups say the new law will help improve beneficiaries’ access to care.
State Responds to Concerns, Resets Timeline for Senior Program Transition
State health officials announced they would extend the timeline for transition of frail and elderly Californians from the Multipurpose Senior Services Program into managed care plans.
Scorecard: Less Than Half of Medicare Payments Tied to Value
A new scorecard from Catalyst for Payment Reform shows that while there is progress in tying Medicare payments to value, there’s still a long way to go.
If Calif. Ends Coordinated Care Initiative, What Happens to Frail Senior Duals?
If state officials halt the duals demonstration project in January 2016, the move could jeopardize the transition to managed care for thousands of frail, elderly Californians in the Multipurpose Senior Services Program.
If Duals Project Is Curtailed, Future Is Cloudy for Program for Frail Seniors
As part of California’s duals demonstration project, the state is phasing out the Multipurpose Senior Services Program designed for some of the frailest beneficiaries of Medicare and Medi-Cal. But that demonstration project itself could be ended prematurely.
Medicare, ACA Have Faced Similar Criticism. But Is That Where the Comparison Ends?
Just like the Affordable Care Act, Medicare went through some growing pains when it started 50 years ago. Does Medicare’s origin say anything about the future of the ACA?
California Group Leads National Effort Opposing Medicare Advantage Cuts
A national coalition of health care providers led by the California Association of Physician Groups is lobbying against proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage.
Dual Eligible Opt-Out Percentage High
A high percentage of dual eligibles have chosen to opt out of participating in Cal MediConnect, which may affect the viability of the Coordinated Care Initiative.
What’s Behind High Opt-Out Rate Among Dual Eligibles in L.A. County?
About one-third of the Californians who are eligible for the duals demonstration project have chosen to opt out of participation. In Los Angeles County, that rate is much higher and topped 50% at one point. Why?