Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
House Republicans Complain That Medicare Officials Ignore Concerns About Drug Pricing
The Hill: GOP Slams Obama Administration Response On Medicare Proposal
A group of House Republicans is denouncing the Obama administration for the lack of substance in its response to their objections to a new Medicare drug pricing initiative. “CMS’s brief and uninformative response is dismissive of the risks posed to our nation’s sickest patients, including those with cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, rare diseases, and neurological disorders who could be adversely impacted by the proposal,” Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) said in a statement, referring to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Sullivan, 6/10)
Modern Healthcare: CMS Fixed Its ACO Benchmarking Problem. That May Not Be Enough
Starting next year, the financial benchmark that most Medicare ACOs use to determine whether they will share in savings or losses will incorporate regional spending factors, according to a final rule the CMS posted June 6. ... Starting next year, the financial benchmark that most Medicare ACOs use to determine whether they will share in savings or losses will incorporate regional spending factors, according to a final rule the CMS posted June 6. To prod ACOs into riskier models, the CMS also agreed to allow ACOs one additional year in the least risky model before they have to move to a more difficult track. (Herman, 6/11)
Politifact Wisconsin: Sen. Ron Johnson Voted For Paul Ryan Plans To Make Medicare A Voucher Program, Democratic Party Says
Now the Wisconsin Democratic Party is making an attack -- though with a claim that doesn’t go nearly as far as the lie of the year. In a radio ad released May 4, 2016, the party said GOP U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson "went after Medicare, voting to turn it into a voucher program." It’s an attack that is likely to be repeated as Democrat Russ Feingold seeks to take back the Senate seat from Johnson in the November 2016 election. ... So, did Johnson vote to make Medicare "a voucher program"? There’s some argument over semantics between voucher and premium supports, a term preferred by Republicans. But the answer is: Pretty much. (Kertscher, 6/10)
