The Buzz

News on transforming care for older adults

    Tagged in: `chronic care act`

    March23 rd

    Four years into implementation, nearly 40 percent of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are offering either expanded primarily health-related benefits (EPHRB) or Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) to help beneficiaries meet goals for independence. The latest report produced by ATI Advisory and Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) examines the growth of three specific benefits: in-home support services, caregiver supports, and social needs.

    Watch a recording complementing the report featuring opening remarks from TSF Vice President of Policy Narda Ipakchi.

    Image and anecdote from latest report
    February28 th

    How are Medicare Advantage (MA) plans structuring and delivering nonmedical supplemental benefits to meaningfully meet members’ needs? The Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) and ATI Advisory conducted an analysis of three nonmedical benefits: in-home support services (IHSS), caregiver supports, and social needs. Join them for a webinar to learn about the findings.

    Image advertising March 13 webinar
    February1 st

    The latest chartbook from ATI Advisory provides insight on supplemental benefits offered by Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in 2023, including the recently expanded primarily health-related benefits (EPHRB) and the Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI).

    The chartbook offers an analysis of the benefit offerings, along with maps of where benefits are available, the number of plans offering these benefits, and the MA organizations with the most plans offering these benefits.
    November30 th

    A new brief from ATI Advisory offers data insights on 2023 Medicare Advantage (MA) plans offering the five expanded primarily health-related benefits (EPHRB). The brief includes information on where plans are offering EPHRB and an overview across both MA special needs plans (SNPs) and non-SNP MA organizations. This is part of ATI’s broader effort to track nonmedical supplemental benefits and builds on their recent chartbook.

    September22 nd

    In a recent request for information, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sought feedback to strengthen Medicare Advantage and advance health equity. Drawing on years of research, ATI Advisory and Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) shared how CMS can strengthen supplemental benefits to advance health equity and better support Medicare beneficiaries.

    June23 rd

    Read the latest brief from ATI Advisory and Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) outlining their top three recommendations to Congress for advancing Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) in Medicare Advantage.

    Access the full report, watch the related briefing, and review the data brief detailing the growth in nonmedical benefits.

    May25 th

    As nonmedical supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage (MA) become more widely available, now is an important time to reflect on whether we are meeting the promise of the CHRONIC Care Act. Watch the recording of a recent briefing and remarks from Senator Warren.

    Read a related report outlining policy recommendations for Congress to advance the Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill in MA plans.

    May18 th

    A new report from Long-Term Quality Alliance and ATI Advisory outlines policy recommendations for Congress to advance the Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) in Medicare Advantage (MA). Based on early research tracking the initial implementation and progress of these benefits, recommendations include modifying SSBCI eligibility criteria, incentivizing plans to report SSBCI utilization, and carefully evaluating efforts.

    Chronic Care Act

    High costs and an aging population are driving the U.S. health care system to innovate. Watch a recent webinar where our President and CEO Sarita A. Mohanty joined a panel of experts to discuss value-based care and reshaping how the nation delivers health care.

    A related Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging report identifies ways technology can support health- and home-care solutions.

    May4 th

    Join Long-Term Quality Alliance and ATI Advisory on May 17 for a virtual briefing on the future of nonmedical supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Featuring new policy recommendations for Congress, this briefing will serve as an important public gathering of influential stakeholders from within long-term care. Register for the event!

    April5 th

    The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) updated roadmap and accompanying brief have recommendations for federal policy solutions to improve care for individuals with complex medical and nonmedical needs. Watch last week’s event recording.

    Also, watch TSF President and CEO Sarita A. Mohanty’s related remarks in discussion with the Alliance for Health Policy on strengthening Medicare and Medicaid flexibilities.

    Map and road with location pin points.

    More Medicare Advantage (MA) health plans are offering nonmedical supports to older adults with complex care needs. See ATI Advisory’s data brief detailing how many plans are offering these supplemental benefits this year.

    Join Long-Term Quality Alliance with ATI Advisory on May 17 for a virtual briefing on the future of nonmedical supplemental benefits in MA plans. Featuring new policy recommendations, this briefing will serve as an important gathering of influential stakeholders from across the long-term care spectrum.

    Bar graphic showing growth in nonmedical befits over time, 2020-2022

    March30 th

    Providing quality care to people with complex needs remains one of the most pressing issues facing our health care system. Join the Bipartisan Policy Center tomorrow, March 31, for a webinar on potential federal policy solutions.

    Logo of Bipartisan Policy Center

    March16 th

    Providing quality care to people with complex needs remains one of the most pressing issues facing our health care system. Join the Bipartisan Policy Center on March 31 for a webinar on potential federal policy solutions. 

    February2 nd

    Long-Term Quality Alliance and ATI Advisory released new insights on the Contract Year 2023 Medicare Advantage and Part D (MAPD) Proposed Rule and its impact on nonmedical supplemental benefits. See additional resources, including an analysis of the benefits offered in 2022. In a recent Playbook blog, learn how plans have used these benefits to support family caregivers.

    See also, ATI Advisory’s earlier insights on the impact of the MAPD Proposed Rule on dually eligible beneficiaries in this tool and blog.

    January20 th

    California’s MPA has inspired unprecedented levels of coordinated action across the state’s network of aging and disability providers, policymakers, researchers, and advocates. See what’s planned for 2022 and hear from Dr. Mohanty at Friday’s anniversary event.

    November17 th

    New research from Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) and ATI Advisory offers insights and policy recommendations on Medicare Advantage (MA) nonmedical supplemental benefits. Learn about who is providing what services, and how the landscape has evolved.

    • Progress report – Delivering on the Promise of the CHRONIC Care Act: Progress in Implementing Nonmedical Supplemental Benefits
    • Policy brief – Delivering on the Promise of the CHRONIC Care Act: Policy Recommendations for the Biden Administration to Advance Nonmedical Supplemental Benefits
    • Webinar recording – Delivering on the Promise of the CHRONIC Care Act: The Future of Medicare Advantage Supplemental Benefits

    As we get older, the majority of us will need some nonmedical help to remain independent. Learn how our grantees are championing solutions to finance nonmedical needs and advance key Medicare-Medicaid flexibilities from the COVID-19 public health emergency.