Susan Morse
This is the first time state comparisons can be made on quality health measures.
Executives said Thursday they had chosen a CEO to lead their healthcare company.
The Department of Justice normally defends laws in court, but will not in the case of a lawsuit brought by Texas and 19 other GOP-led states against the government.
CMS head Seema Verma calls national efforts to improve patient safety that saved 8,000 lives and $2.9 billion a tremendous accomplishment.
Expansion benefits include care quality and a reduction in uncompensated care costs.
The move would give HHS a new name, potentially including the word welfare, and consolidate safety-net programs such as food stamps, report says.
The trustees' report shows Part D spending projections are lower than what was projected last year.
Unlike a traditional ACO, providers can earn rewards for value-based performance but are not charged membership or service fees.
The model ties payment to a patient's conditions and care needs rather than volume of services provided.
The biggest surge in healthcare costs is the rise in deductibles, with 22 percent of employees paying a $2,000 deductible versus 7 percent in 2009, according to the trends report.