On Tuesday, April 18, 2017, our Health Care Group will hold a webinar on the health care policy and transition challenges still at play as the Trump Administration nears the end of its 100 days in power. During the webinar, participants will hear important insights and predictions on what a Trump-led Executive Branch will mean
Health Care Reform
CMS Proposes New ACO Performance Measures
By Troy A. Barsky & Roma Sharma on
Posted in Health Care Reform & ACA, Medicare
On January 28, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would change the methodology used to evaluate and adjust the performance of Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). The proposed rule is intended to improve long-term incentives for ACOs and create a path for long-term sustainability.
ACO performance is currently measured using a multi-step process that evaluates an ACO’s effectiveness in lowering expenditures for a group of assigned beneficiaries against a benchmark established based on an ACO’s historical costs. At the beginning of the ACO’s three-year agreement period, CMS sets an average per capita historical benchmark. CMS adjusts the historical benchmark on an annual basis based on projected growth in national per capita expenditures for Medicare Parts A and B services under the fee-for-service (FFS) program.Continue Reading CMS Proposes New ACO Performance Measures
CMS Issues Guidance on Part D’s “Any Willing Pharmacy” Requirement
By Christine M. Clements on
Posted in Health Care Reform & ACA, Medicare
Citing concerns about transparency and timing, on August 13, 2015, CMS issued a memorandum to clarify guidance to Medicare Part D sponsors regarding the any willing pharmacy requirement.
Medicare Part D sponsors are required to contract with any pharmacy that meets the Part D sponsor’s standard terms and conditions. CMS requires that the standard terms…