Reimbursement
The rate of revenue growth in 2018 eked ahead of expenses for the first time since 2015.
The telemedicine company and insurer have developed a new virtual care model that lets patients access an in-network primary care doctor with no copay.
Hospitals use the ratings on quality measures as they seek skilled nursing facilities for inclusion in their preferred networks.
Medicare spends approximately $35 billion annually on care for beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease.
A joint contract between CMS, states and health plans would pay a capitated amount to provide integrated Medicare and Medicaid services.
The change would ramp up add-on payments to hospitals that implement new tech and increase the wage index for rural and other qualifying hospitals.
Pre-existing coverage remains protected, though a new type of high risk pool approach could better tailor coverage for these enrollees, Verma says.
Part D drug spending projections are lower than last year because of slower price growth and a continuing trend of higher manufacturer rebates.
Reasons for the jump include implementation of the ICD-10 coding system, increasing healthcare costs and EHRs.
SNFs will be scored on a measure of potentially preventable hospital readmissions and on two new quality measures for interoperability.