New Benefits Boost Star Ratings – Don’t They?

It seems logical to assume that richer and broader benefits can boost Star Ratings, but do we have the evidence to support it?

In a recent panel at the Strategic Solutions Network Medicare Stars, HEDIS, Quality & Risk event, Mike Adelberg, a former CMS and MA Plan executive (currently Lead of Healthcare Strategy Practice at Faegre Drinker Consulting), discusses the challenges associated with linking benefit enhancements with Stars. He is joined by Melissa Smith, EVP of Consulting and Professional Services at HealthMine, and Tim Murray, Director and Senior Consulting Actuary at Wakely, for a problem-solving session to overcome this critical challenge.

The group explores the range of new benefit flexibilities available to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, and which benefits they’ve seen top performers actually adopt into their plans during the most recent bid season.

The panel discusses:

• A brief overview of the expanded Medicare benefits and the CMS policy changes that opened the door to richer and more varied benefits
• Why new benefits might only spark a temporary “year-one-delight” for members
• Specific challenges plans face when integrating new benefits such as transportation, meals, in-home support, and/or richer OTC benefits
• Best practices for developing bid and benefit packages that improve Star ratings
• The most important benefits for competing in the market and delighting members
• Implementing new benefits the right way to avoid member abrasion

You will walk away with exclusive industry insight from experts who’ve spent their careers helping plans deliver more value to their members. This conversation provides valuable takeaways that MA plans can use to make the most out of the new benefits program and reach Stars success.