On November 21, 2014, CMS released a request for comments on its proposed enhancements to the 2016 Star Ratings for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans (Request). The Request also provides advance notice of potential changes to the 2017 star ratings. Comments are due by December 17, 2014.

CMS explains that it structured the current Star Ratings strategy to be consistent with the six priorities in the National Quality Strategy. The six priorities include: 1) making care safer by reducing harm caused by the delivery of care; 2) ensuring that each person and family are engaged as partners in their care; 3) promoting effective communication and coordination of care; 4) promoting the most effective prevention and treatment practices for the leading causes of mortality; 5) working with communities to promote wide use of best practices to enable healthy living; and 6) making quality care more affordable for individuals, families, employers, and governments by developing and spreading new health care delivery models.

To view the CMS Request, click here.

Reporter, Stephanie F. Johnson, Atlanta, +1 404 572 4629, sfjohnson@kslaw.com.