Four things to know:
1. CMS proposed a 1.59 percent rate hike to private Medicare plans.
2. The agency also wants to give private Medicare insurers more flexibility to serve chronically ill patients. For example, Medicare Advantage plans can target supplemental benefits to chronically ill members, such as transportation for nonmedical needs, home-delivered meals, food and produce.
3. CMS also strongly encouraged private Part D plans to provide lower cost-sharing for opioid-reversal agents like naloxone. The agency also proposed to advance opioid-related measures through the Star Ratings development process.
4. CMS will accept comments on the proposals through March 1. The final rate announcement is set to be published by April 1.
Find the full draft call letter here.
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