Medicare Advantage plans that receive four out of five stars or better get bonus payments, which have ballooned to $16 billion this year. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has recalculated the Medicare Advantage star ratings again, adding more volatility to the program. This change affects the bonus payments that Medicare Advantage plans receive.
Why It Matters
The recalculated Medicare Advantage star ratings will affect the bonus payments that plans receive. This change may impact the financial stability of some Medicare Advantage plans. The endorsement of Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine is a significant development in the fight against influenza.
What Experts Say
"The endorsement of Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine is a major milestone in the development of mRNA vaccines." — Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Key Numbers
- ****$16 billion:** The amount of bonus payments Medicare Advantage plans will receive this year.
- **4 out of 5 stars: The rating required for Medicare Advantage plans to receive bonus payments.
- **340B: The federal drug discount program that Eli Lilly has ended discounts for some hospitals.
Background
The 340B drug discount program requires pharmaceutical companies to provide discounts to certain hospitals and clinics. Eli Lilly has ended discounts for some hospitals that failed to provide claims data.
What Comes Next
The impact of the recalculated Medicare Advantage star ratings and the endorsement of Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine will be closely watched. Eli Lilly's decision to end 340B drug discounts to some hospitals may lead to changes in the program.
Key Facts
- Who: CMS, FDA, Moderna, Eli Lilly
- What: Recalculated Medicare Advantage star ratings, endorsement of mRNA flu vaccine, ended 340B drug discounts
- Impact: Affects Medicare Advantage plans, hospitals, and patients
What to Watch
The developments in Medicare Advantage star ratings, mRNA flu vaccine endorsement, and 340B drug discounts will have significant implications for the healthcare industry.