The study found that extra payments to Medicare Advantage plans will amount to an average of $1,138, or 13 percent over fee-for-service costs, for each of about 10 million Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in the plans. The $11.4 billion in extra payments for 2009 represents a 34 percent increase over 2008 payments, which totaled $8.5 billion.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that bringing Medicare Advantage payments in line with traditional fee-for-service Medicare would save $157 billion over the next 10 years, according to the release.
Read the Commonwealth Fund’s release on the Medicare Advantage payment study.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.