November 10, 2008 - A multiyear analysis of Medicare's "national coverage decisions"--policies for reimbursing health care providers for particular medical services--shows that the program considers the available evidence "fair" or "poor" for most medical technologies it reviews.
In the Literature
November 3, 2008 - In this commentary on the Modern Healthcare/Commonwealth Fund survey of health care opinion leaders, J. James Rohack discuss Medicare payment reform from the physician's perspective.
Commentary
November 3, 2008 - In a new commentary on The Commonwealth Fund/Modern Healthcare Opinion Leaders Survey, Glenn Hackbarth outlines steps for implementing payment reform in Medicare.
Commentary
November 3, 2008 - Leaders in health care and health care policy expressed robust support for fundamentally reforming the way health care providers are paid and resounding dissatisfaction with the current payment system, known as "fee-for-service."
Data Brief
October 21, 2008 - Payments to Medicare's private fee-for-service (FFFS) plans in 2008 average 16.6 percent more than costs in traditional Medicare, or $1,248 for each of the 2 million enrollees in PFFS plans--a total of nearly $2.5 billion in extra payments.
Issue Brief
September 16, 2008 - Based on employers' responses to two national surveys, conducted in late 2005 and early 2007, fears that the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit would "crowd out" existing retiree health benefits have not been realized. This issue brief finds most employers indicate that they will reconsider their current decision if the cost of coverage rises sharply or the Medicare Part D coverage becomes more comprehensive.
Issue Brief
September 5, 2008 - Private health plans serving Medicare beneficiaries will be paid an average 12.4 percent more per enrollee in 2008 compared to what the same enrollee would have cost in the traditional Medicare fee-for-service program, according to a new study from The Commonwealth Fund.
Issue Brief
August 18, 2008 - Key changes in Medicare payment policy--not increases in Medicare managed care, changes in beneficiary cost-sharing, or other explanations--have been responsible for slowing Medicare spending growth and curtailing so-called excess spending growth, finds a study in Health Affairs.
In the Literature
May 30, 2008 - This issue brief considers options for simplifying Part D in several areas: standardizing the benefit descriptions and procedures used by plans and the Medicare program; further standardization of the plan's benefit parameters, particularly the rules for cost-sharing; and changes to the rules governing plan formularies.
Issue Brief
May 1, 2008 - Aspects of Medicare Part D have been problematic or confusing for vulnerable beneficiaries. This study highlights creative efforts across the country have helped individuals obtain and use the Part D benefit.
Issue Brief
May 1, 2008 - For some Medicare beneficiaries, the prescription drug benefit--Medicare Part D--can be confusing and lead to delays in getting drugs or in adverse health outcomes. New research suggests certain policy and procedural changes could enhance program performance.
Issue Brief
April 14, 2008 - The Medicare Advantage program offers seniors a choice of private health plans, but many consumers have trouble understanding how these plans differ. This Commonwealth Fund issue brief explains that the problem lies in the high degree of variability and complexity in Medicare Advantage plans--and the lack of good information for making educated choices.
Issue Brief
March 24, 2008 - A new report examines whether incentives for private savings could relieve the burden of post-retirement health care costs, especially for low-income individuals.
Fund Report
February 25, 2008 - Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs) for dual eligibles--individuals who qualify both for Medicare and Medicaid benefits--have the potential to coordinate Medicare benefits with state-administered Medicaid benefits.
Issue Brief
February 25, 2008 - Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs) could improve the coordination of Medicare and Medicaid benefits for the roughly 7 million individuals who are eligible for both programs. This issue brief provides a snapshot of SNP participation, discusses the opportunities and challenges presented by SNPs, and more.
Issue Brief