Beginning in January, “Medicare will pay monthly fees to doctors who manage care for patients with two or more chronic conditions,” the New York Times (8/17, Pear, Subscription Publication) reported. Officials claim that “such care coordination could pay for itself by keeping patients healthier and out of hospitals.” CMS Administrator Marilyn B. Tavenner stated: “Paying separately for chronic care management services is a significant policy change.”
The Boston Globe (8/17, Pear) reported, “Two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries have at least two chronic conditions, and they account for 93 percent of Medicare spending,” according to HHS. The policy change comes amid “growing evidence that patients with chronic illnesses suffer from disjointed, fragmented care.” Judith A. Stein of the Center for Medicare Advocacy, said the change is positive in that “It shows that people do not have to leave traditional Medicare and go into a private Medicare Advantage plan to get coordinated care."