CMS released proposed rules to introduce in 2011 bonus payments to Medicare Advantage plans achieving high patient satisfaction scores, according to a CMS release.
As part of a proposed three-year demonstration, plans with the highest rating on a 1- to 5-star scale would receive a 5 percent bonus in 2011. Also, bonuses would be extended to plans with three stars and higher in 2012, and a "low performer" icon would identify plans with fewer than three stars during the past three years.
Also under the proposed rules, CMS proposes to clarify its authority to negotiate plan bids, expand restrictions on charging higher cost-sharing than traditional Medicare for certain services, and limit long-term care pharmacy waste by specifying efficient dispensing practices.
Read the CMS release on its proposed rules for Medicare Advantage.
Read more coverage of Medicare Advantage:
- CMS Cracks Down on Medical Advantage Plan for Commenting on Reform Bill to Beneficiaries
- GOP Senators Opposing Medicare Advantage Cuts Seek Data
- Many Medicare Advantage Plans Wouldn't Qualify for Upcoming Quality Payments Based on Current Data
As part of a proposed three-year demonstration, plans with the highest rating on a 1- to 5-star scale would receive a 5 percent bonus in 2011. Also, bonuses would be extended to plans with three stars and higher in 2012, and a "low performer" icon would identify plans with fewer than three stars during the past three years.
Also under the proposed rules, CMS proposes to clarify its authority to negotiate plan bids, expand restrictions on charging higher cost-sharing than traditional Medicare for certain services, and limit long-term care pharmacy waste by specifying efficient dispensing practices.
Read the CMS release on its proposed rules for Medicare Advantage.
Read more coverage of Medicare Advantage:
- CMS Cracks Down on Medical Advantage Plan for Commenting on Reform Bill to Beneficiaries
- GOP Senators Opposing Medicare Advantage Cuts Seek Data
- Many Medicare Advantage Plans Wouldn't Qualify for Upcoming Quality Payments Based on Current Data