Medicare Advantage: Register These 2021 Medicare Advantage and Part D Proposals

Why This Topic Matters

The proposal touches multiple operational areas that affect Medicare plans and providers, including network adequacy, enrollment policy, quality measurement, drug management, and beneficiary-facing transparency tools. It also signals changes that may influence contracting, reimbursement, and plan administration.

Article Sections

1. Consider These 6 Takeaways from the Proposed Rule

   An overview of the article’s main policy themes and the major CMS changes discussed in the proposed rule.

2. Growth Rate

   Discussion of the proposed Medicare Advantage growth rate and the potential general market effects described in the article.

3. ESRD

   Coverage and policy changes affecting beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease and related Medicare program updates.

4. Telehealth

   Proposals related to telehealth, network adequacy, and broader access considerations for Medicare Advantage plans.

5. Star ratings

   Planned updates to the Medicare Advantage Star Ratings program and related quality measurement changes.

6. Opioid prescribing

   Part D drug management policy discussion focused on beneficiaries considered at elevated risk for opioid misuse.

7. Real-Time Benefit Tool

   Proposed timing and implementation issues for a beneficiary-facing real-time benefits and formulary information tool.

8. What Impact Will the MA Changes Have on FFS Providers?

   How the proposed Medicare Advantage changes may affect fee-for-service providers, contracting, risk, and care delivery trends.