CMS made changes to healthcare policy in 2023 that are set to change many facets of care in 2024.
Here are three moves by the agency in 2023 that will directly affect patient care this year:
1. A final rule streamlining Medicare Advantage and Part D prior authorizations. The update focused on coordinated care plans and establishing utilization management committees to review policies annually to ensure prior authorization is used appropriately.
2. A value-based primary care model initiative. The model will be piloted in eight states through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation and will seek to create more coordinated care for rural and underserved populations.
3. Maintaining telehealth flexibility. The agency moved to maintain the waiver of geographic and originating site restrictions related to telehealth through the end of 2024. The waiver will allow Medicare beneficiaries to connect with physicians anywhere in the U.S. from home.