Tag: MA Plans

MA Prior Authorization Denials

Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Denials on the Rise

Surge in MA Prior Authorization Denials: New Study Reveals A new study highlights significant variation among Medicare Advantage plans regarding the number of determinations made and the frequency of denials. Notably, MA Prior Authorization Denials surged between 2021 and 2022, according to a recent analysis from health policy research. Researchers examined data from the Centers […]
Prior Authorization in Medicare Advantage

Prior Authorization in Medicare Advantage : Lawmakers Call for Streamlined Process

CMS has proposed a rule to simplify prior authorization in government-sponsored health insurance programs. However, some lawmakers are urging the agency to do more. A bipartisan coalition of 233 representatives and 61 senators have written a letter to CMS requesting that the proposed rules be expanded and that the changes be finalized quickly to enhance […]
cms-issues-contract-year-2023

CMS Issues Contract Year 2023 Final Rule for Medicare Advantage Organizations and Prescription Drug Sponsors

  On April 29, 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”), issued the final rule on Contract Year 2023 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs (the “Final Rule”).  CMS promotes the Final Rule as advancing “CMS’ strategic vision of expanding access to affordable health care […]
covid-19-monoclonal-antibody-billing-update

COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Billing Update

  Ever since a public health emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 was declared on Jan. 27, 2020, there has been several new HCPCS Level II codes created for monoclonal antibody (mAb) products and administration. As confusing as all these new codes and billing requirements have been, nothing has caused as much trouble as the latest change […]
cms-proposes-changes-to-medicare

CMS Proposes Changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D Programs

On January 12, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Contract Year 2023 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Programs proposed rule, representing CMS’ first major policy proposals for these programs in the Biden Administration. The changes proposed are, overall, modest in scope. In the […]
2022-medicare-advantage-plan-overview-part-three-social-determinants

2022 Medicare Advantage Plan Overview, Part Three: Social Determinants

  “Medicare Advantage plans have a unique and growing opportunity to address the needs of socioeconomically vulnerable populations and improve their health,” reports America’s Health Insurance Plans. More plans for individuals with low incomes, as well as targeted SDOH investments and initiatives, round out carrier approaches. On the benefits side, offerings such as meals, transportation, […]