Blog

CMS Medicare Advantage and Section 1876 Cost Plan Network Adequacy Update

This week, our In Focus section examines new guidance issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding Medicare Advantage (MA) plan network adequacy requirements. On June 17, 2020, CMS released updated Medicare Advantage and 1876 Cost Plan Network Adequacy Guidance for Medicare Advantage (MA) health plans to use now for Contract Year 2021 network submission. 

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Inland Empire Health Plan Releases Health Homes Program Year One Implementation Report

A new report has been released outlining Inland Empire Health Plan’s (IEHP) efforts to establish 50 care teams to support the delivery of core Health Homes Program services for IEHP’s most vulnerable members with complex health conditions.

HMA contributed to the new report and has supported implementation of IEHP’s Health Homes Program since 2018, providing consultation in the development and implementation of a clinical model of care, the design and deployment of a population health management tool, the creation and delivery of a multi-modal training program, and the provision of practice coaching to over 50 care teams.

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Impact of COVID-19 Federal Policy on Medicare Advantage

This week, our In Focus section examines the operational impacts of federal Medicare Advantage policy changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On January 31, 2020, the Secretary of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency. This was followed by a national emergency declared by President Trump on March 13, 2020. These declarations provide the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) authority to waive certain Medicare and Medicaid regulatory requirements to help health plans, providers, and other stakeholders respond to immediate needs of their members and communities. These waiver flexibilities, when combined with other legislative and regulatory changes issued by Congress and CMS have resulted in over 200 policy changes to Medicare alone. Many of these affect Medicare Advantage sponsors and have direct implications to current and future operations of plan responsibilities. We examine eight categories of requirements and flexibilities that have significant business relevance and exposure for Medicare Advantage plan sponsors:

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Webinar Alert: Evidence-Based Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder in Correctional Settings

HMA is cohosting a webinar with the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.

Opioid use disorder is a chronic brain disease with effective, evidence-based treatments, and is a condition protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Prisons and jails are expected, by national health care and justice organizations and by communities, to treat incarcerated persons with OUD in accordance with evidence-based practices. This webinar reviews the most current evidence-based care for opioid withdrawal and OUD treatment and provides clinicians with strategies to move correctional health practices into compliance with national and community standards.

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HMA Framework Examines Behavioral Health Crisis Diversion Facilities

This week, our In Focus section provides a model framework examining an option for care for individuals with behavioral health needs who often find themselves involved with law enforcement or in hospital emergency rooms during times of crisis. The framework – Crisis Diversion Facilities – was released by Health Management Associates, led by HMA Principal Bren Manaugh and supported by Arnold Ventures as part of a larger opioid and mental health response initiative.

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