Medicare's advisory panel recommended several changes that aim to improve and expand a small program for some of the highest-cost beneficiaries in the program.
MedPAC backs changes to program for dual-eligibles
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission voted unanimously on Thursday for a series of changes to the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, which is for facilities that provide daylong care to about 21,000 of the high-cost dual-eligible beneficiaries.
The changes would lower payments to PACE providers by about $1 billion over five years but balance that with similar-sized payment increases for specific facets of care that are expected to improve the patients’ overall clinical outcomes. One such change would provide a pool of extra funds to keep PACE facilities financially afloat if they enroll especially high cost patients soon after launching that threaten their financial viability. Another suggested change would increase payments to providers caring for the sickest of these patients.
The changes were needed, according to MedPAC members, because the program has the potential to serve many more dual-eligibles and to keep them out of nursing homes and living with family members.
Letter
to the
Editor
Send us a letter
Have an opinion about this story? Click here to submit a Letter to the Editor, and we may publish it in print.
Sponsored Content