CMS boosts Medicare Advantage payment rates for 2018: 4 takeaways

CMS will increase Medicare Advantage payments by 0.45 percent in 2018, according to Healthcare Finance.

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Here are four takeaways:

1. On Feb. 1, 2017, CMS proposed a 0.25 percent payment boost.

2. Medicare officials said the payment update is due to coding acuity changes.

3. CMS also considered risk adjustment payment increases based on demographics.

4. Washington, D.C.-based America’s Health Insurance Plans said the government should do more on beneficiaries’ behalf.  

AHIP CEO and President Marilyn Tavenner said, “While CMS made adjustments to some policies, and we welcome the request for information, we believe more must be done to ensure beneficiaries are well supported in achieving their best health. We look forward to working with the agency to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, enhance program flexibility and innovation and promote delivery system reform and patient engagement.”

More articles on coding and billing:
Legislators propose expanded Medicare reimbursement to grow telehealth programs: 4 notes
Departing Humana exec likely to receive $1.9M: 5 things to know
70% of physicians still unprepared to face MACRA alone: 5 key notes

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