Modern Healthcare

MACRA likely major topic at AHIP conference

- —Shannon Muchmore

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthoriz­ation Act final rule released earlier this month includes funding to create and implement a core set of performanc­e measures to be used by private and public insurers alike.

The goal, according to the CMS, is to get payers on the same page when comparing quality, making the data more easily gathered and understood.

“This is a first step of an ongoing process to ensure both public programs and the private sector align measures and reporting, especially as we advance alternativ­e payment models,” said Carmella Bocchino, executive vice president of America’s Health Insurance Plans, one of the industry groups consulting with the CMS on the issue.

AHIP will discuss MACRA implementa­tion and other issues related to Medicare, Medicaid and those dually eligible for the programs at a conference this week in Washington, D.C.

Among the speakers is Andy Slavitt, acting administra­tor of the CMS, which was formerly headed by AHIP President Marilyn Tavenner.

Other topics on the agenda include priorities for Medicare Advantage and Part D, care coordinati­on, personcent­ered care and the possible implicatio­ns of the election.

The closing keynote speaker for the conference will be Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who will discuss Medicaid issues.

Medicare topics to be addressed at the conference include the CMS’ initiative to monitor provider directorie­s; CMS audit findings related to denials, appeals and grievances; using analytics to identify and manage patient opioid abuse; and strategies for addressing healthcare disparitie­s.

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