CMS proposes overhauling Medicare Advantage star ratings

Dive Brief:

The CMS is proposing to overhaul the Medicare Advantage star ratings system, including by culling a dozen quality measures and removing a health equity reward.

In a proposed rule released Tuesday , the agency said it wanted to cut 12 metrics that focus on administrative processes where health plan performance is typically high and beneficiaries can’t easily distinguish between offerings, like customer service and appeal timeliness. Most of the cuts would go into effect in the 2029 star ratings.

The CMS is also proposing to not implement the Excellent Health Outcomes for All reward, designed to incentivize plans to improve care for enrollees who are low-income or disabled. Additionally, the agency wants to add a quality measure on depression screening and follow-up.

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