BMA Event

Event Recap: Medicare Advantage Summit Conference – Day 1

May 17, 2018

The summit is the only event that brings together plans, providers, patients, and government to improve quality, cost, and access to Medicare Advantage. The summit started with a preconference on May 16, 2018 that focused on the new Medicare Advantage rule with topics such as telehealth developments, new supplemental benefit policy, star-rating methodology and other predominant topics in the field. The conference resumed on May 17, 2018, with a general conference, which included three speakers and four panels followed by sixteen mini summits highlighting top issues with experts on each topic around the private and public sectors.

Key Takeaways:

Congresswoman Allyson Y. Schwartz spoke about a vision for modern Medicare Advantage and introduced Better Medicare Alliance
Steve Nelson spoke on the importance of transportation as a benefit because 3.5 million Americans miss or delay medical care because of lack of transportation and the idea of having care in a different setting or on the go as an expectation for seniors now
The first panel focused on the policies and politics of Medicare Advantage. This was an off the record panel.
The second panel on Starts Ratings talked about doing a better job of addressing duals in the Stars Ratings, drive better outcomes, and reduce cost. Also, on the importance of beneficiaries satisfaction.
Fran Soistman with Aetna said EGWPs have grown over the past 8 years and moving forward there are growth opportunities. Focusing on how EGWPs offer employers flexibility to maintain consistent retiree coverage while lowering immediate costs and long-term liability and help retirees spend less out-of-pocket and access to health & wellness programs above regular Medicare coverage.
The third panel focused on Employer Group Waiver Plans. The panelist mentioned how they are satisfied with the effectiveness of EGWPs and its advancement in recent years. Still, they could improve on the fraction between the payer and the provider.
Panel 4 discussed medical groups and MA plans: what do groups need to succeed. The panelist talked about flexibility, the importance of organizing around primary physician care and care teams and transitioning into more sustainable payment models.

Speakers

Opening Remarks

Allyson Y. Schwartz – President and Chief Executive Officer, Better Medicare Alliance