Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Hospitals Ask Feds To Slow Down Proposals To Shift Away From Fee-For-Service Payments
Modern Healthcare: Hospitals Tell CMS To Slow Flood Of New Alternative Payment Models
Providers are pleading with the CMS to slow its flood of new payment models in the effort to move from fee-for-service to value-based care. Since the start of the year, the agency has introduced or expanded nine pay models and announced selected markets for another three. In comments on a July proposed rule that would make 98 markets financially accountable for the cost and quality of all care associated with bypass surgery and heart attacks, industry stakeholders ask the agency to step on the brakes. (Dickson, 10/5)
Stat: Ending Obama Plan To Overhaul Medicare Part B Would Cost $395 Million
Legislation intended to derail an Obama administration proposal for overhauling Medicare Part B would cost $395 million over 10 years, according to a new estimate by the Congressional Budget Office. The analysis, which was released on Tuesday, suggested the actual cost could reach $1.1 billion, but that the difference would likely be offset by other projects that could later be implemented to reduce federal spending on prescription medicines. (Silverman, 10/5)
(Broward County, Fla.) Sun-Sentinel: Some Seniors Surprised To Find Themselves Automatically Enrolled In Private Medicare Plans
Turning 65 soon? Your mailbox probably is stuffed with ads from health care companies eager to sign you up for Medicare coverage. Be aware, though: buried in there may be a notice that you are about to be automatically enrolled in an HMO-style, private Medicare Advantage plan by your current insurance company. If you never see that letter, or if you ignore it, you could find yourself locked into coverage that doesn't cover your doctors or costs you more. (Lade, 10/5)
