CMS Seeks Input on Medicare Advantage Data

On Jan. 30, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a request for information to collect public input on Medicare Advantage (MA) data in order to inform data capabilities and guide future policymaking. The agency’s intent is to solicit comments on all aspects of data related to the MA program including both data that is already collected and data that is not currently collected.

Specifically, the CMS noted a special interest in comments related to the following: beneficiary access to care including provider directories and networks; prior authorization and utilization management, including denials and algorithms used; cost and utilization of different supplemental benefits; MA marketing and consumer decision making; care quality and outcomes, including value-based arrangements and health equity; healthy competition in the market, including the impact of mergers and acquisitions, high levels of enrollment concentration, and the effects of vertical integration; data topics related to Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans; and special populations such as individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

The agency is also interested in learning more on common challenges and experiences from health care providers and other invested parties related to limited MA data that is currently available. Comments on this request for information are due May 29.