MSA News - Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Proposes 2016 Updates for Health and Drug Plans

On February 20, 2015, CMS proposed 2016 payment and policy updates for Medicare Health and Drug Plans. The proposed policies expand the initiatives to connect Medicare payments to healthcare value, and to maintain stability of Medicare and Medicare Advantage programs.

In their news release, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) said “proposed changes for the coming year for the Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D Prescription Drug Programs will advance Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell’s vision of building a better, smarter health care system and moving the Medicare program, and the health care system at large, toward paying providers based on the quality, rather than the quantity of care they give patients.”

Andy Slavitt, CMS Principal Deputy Administrator added, “The proposed rates will enhance the stability of Medicare Advantage program and minimize disruption to seniors and care providers. 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." The Medicare Advantage and the Part D Prescription Drug programs continue to grow since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, with a total increase of more than 40 percent since 2010.

The proposal will attempt to provide fair payments to plans, reward high-quality care, and spend health care dollars wisely. CMS believes these policies will minimize disruption and continue the commitment to high-quality plans, thereby creating a stable and consistent future policy environment.

For more information about the 2016 Plans, please click here >>