Reports on the results of a national demonstration that tested whether paying home health agencies a fixed sum in advance for an episode of care would reduce use of services without adversely affecting quality of care. Finds that most prospectively paid agencies dramatically lowered their visits...

Notes that prospective payment led to sharp reductions in home health service use and no apparent effect on quality of care. Furthermore, the use of other Medicare-reimbursed services (such as hospital stays) did not increase, nor did the use of informal or other care. The new payment method...

Notes that prospective payment led to sharp reductions in home health service use and no apparent effect on quality of care. Furthermore, the use of other Medicare-reimbursed services (such as hospital stays) did not increase, nor did the use of informal or other care. The new payment method...

This report assesses the first known collaboration formed to establish financial incentives for multiple health plans in Medicaid to improve the timeliness of care for low-income children in California. The authors note that most plans found it feasible, but not easy, to implement the...

This spotlight examines enrollment trends in Medicare Advantage plans, including health maintenance organizations (HMOs), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans. Despite the availability of many private Medicare Advantage plans, enrollment is highly...

This issue brief provides an assessment of the selected other services, inpatient (IP), and prescription drug (RX) encounter data for enrollees in comprehensive managed care during 2008. It summarizes the availability, completeness, quality, and usability of the encounter data for comprehensive...

This Data Spotlight reviews trends in Medicare Advantage plan offerings, choices available to beneficiaries, and the premiums and selected characteristics of the available plans in 2012. Despite concerns about the potential effects of reductions in payments included in the 2010 health reform...

This chartbook, prepared for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, presents highlights and key comparisons from the state-by-state and national tables in the statistical compendium on Medicaid pharmacy benefit use and reimbursement in 2007.