This Week in Managed Care: May 30, 2015

A massive overhaul is planned for Medicaid managed care for the first time since 2002 as CMS unveiled its proposed rule this week. Andy Slavitt, acting administrator for CMS, said the proposal's 3 main aims are to improve transparency and consumer protections; provide better care coordination; and allow states to pursue delivery system reforms.

In Florida, Governor Rick Scott scored a victory over CMS. The agency agreed to continue funding Florida's Low-Income Pool, the program that pays for uncompensated hospital care. However, the structure of the $1 billion deal still makes Medicaid expansion the best option for the long haul.

In this month's issue of The American Journal of Managed Care the special guest commentary comes from Christine Cassel, MD, the president and chief executive officer of the National Quality Forum, who wrote on meaningful measurement and driving greater value in healthcare. In addition, researchers from the Brookings Institute examined 4 alternative payment models for oncology care that shift away from fee-for-service.

Finally, just before ASCO's annual meeting kicked off, the society announced its new patient-centered oncology payment model, which addresses issues such as education and support to help patients make the best treatment decision, and continued support to patients after active treatment ends. The 2015 annual meeting runs May 29 to June 3 and The American Journal of Managed Care is there interviewing experts and covering session. You can follow our conference coverage here.