MDS Alert

Don't forget: Only a few weeks left to submit public comment as to how to improve Medicare. The CMSwebsite notes: "Medicare's main trust fund is projected to run out in just eleven years, and Medicaid is the second largest budget item for states on average (behind K-12 education) and is growing rapidly. Improving quality and reducing costs are imperative."

The CMS's informal request for information lists these areas for your consideration:

"While existing partnerships with healthcare providers, clinicians, states, payers and stakeholders have generated important value and lessons, CMS is setting a new direction for the Innovation Center. We will carefully evaluate how models developed consistent with the new directions can complement what we are learning from the existing initiatives. In particular, the Innovation Center is interested in testing models in the following eight focus areas:

1. Increased participation in Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs);
2. Consumer-Directed Care & Market-Based Innovation Models;
3. Physician Specialty Models;
4. Prescription Drug Models;
5. Medicare Advantage (MA) Innovation Models;
6. State-Based and Local Innovation, including Medicaid-focused Models;
7. Mental and Behavioral Health Models; and
8. Program Integrity.

However, the Innovation Center may also test models in other areas."

You can submit your comments online here, https://survey.max.gov/429625, or submit them via email to CMMI_NewDirection@cms.hhs.gov, but you only have until 11:59 p.m. EST on Nov. 20, 2017.