CMS is seeking input on initiatives to test care delivery innovations in the Medicare Part D program, Medicare and Medicaid managed care plans, and other government programs. CMS notes that while "[h]ealth plans increasingly have responded to market developments and fiscal pressures with innovations in care delivery, plan design, beneficiary and provider incentives, and network design," adoption of such innovations has been more limited in stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP), Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans (MA-PD), Medicaid managed care plans (Medicaid plans), Medigap plans, and Retiree Supplemental health plans." CMS therefore is seeking responses to a request for information (RFI) on potential of models to test innovations in these plans related to: (1) plan design, (2) care delivery, (3) beneficiary and provider incentives; and/or (4) network design.

For instance, with respect to drug plans, CMS is considering a PDP model that will test the impact of "robust medication therapy management programs and cost sharing differentials that effectively target Part D beneficiaries and will better coordinate care, manage health care costs, and improve outcomes." CMS is likewise exploring potential initiatives to collaborate with Medigap and Retiree Supplemental plans on models to manage the care of complex, high-cost beneficiaries. CMS also may explore innovations in MA and MA-PD health plan design for Medicare beneficiaries, including:

  • Value-based insurance design to incentivize beneficiaries with specific health conditions to use high-value health care services and/or providers;
  • Inclusion of remote access technologies beyond what is covered by original Medicare; and 
  • Integration of hospice care benefits concurrently with curative care in the basic benefit package.

CMS points out that that testing such models will require collaboration with health plans, states, and other stakeholders. Comments will be accepted on the RFI until November 3, 2014. The RFI does not commit CMS to contracting or making a grant award in this area. 

This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.