Bills propose quality bonuses, insurance reform

Medicare Advantage plans and end-stage renal-disease providers meeting certain quality indicators would receive bonuses under a bill introduced by Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.). The bonuses would be funded by a 2% reduction in payment rates to Medicare plans and renal-disease providers. One lobbyist said the goal of the bill was admirable but health plans would prefer to see bonuses drawn from a new stream of money. Meanwhile, Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) plans to introduce legislation allowing consumers in the individual insurance market to buy health insurance across state lines. "Individuals looking for basic health insurance coverage can opt for a policy with few benefit mandates, and such a policy will be more affordable. On the other hand, consumers who have an interest in a particular benefit, such as infertility treatments, will be able to purchase a policy in a state that mandates that benefit," Shadegg said in a news release. -- by Jeff Tieman and Tony Fong