ACAP Lauds Proposal to Stratify Quality Data

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 4, 2022                                

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jeff Van Ness, (202) 204-7515, jvanness@communityplans.net

ACAP LAUDS CMS PROPOSAL TO STRATIFY QUALITY DATA

WASHINGTON – Margaret A. Murray, CEO of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), today issued the following statement in response to the 2023 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice issued yesterday by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which noted that it would explore stratifying how quality measures are collected and analyzed to account for the differing levels of income and health need among Medicare Advantage plan member populations:

“For a long time, ACAP has called for CMS to adjust the Star Ratings due to dual eligible status to better account for the types of population served, and to enable apples-to-apples comparisons among health plans serving seniors with low incomes, or high levels of health need.

“We’re delighted that CMS is considering stratifying Star Ratings measures by dual eligible, low-income subsidy, and disability status. This will help provide a clearer picture on the true quality of care delivered to these seniors, make for fairer comparisons among and between health plans, and reduce any disincentive for plans to serve populations with higher levels of medical or other need.”

“As CMS explores which process, outcomes, and consumer experience measures can be stratified, ACAP is happy to help in any way possible to achieve this goal. We’re glad to see them take this step.”

About ACAP
ACAP represents 74 health plans nationwide, which provide health coverage to more than 20 million people. ACAP-member Safety Net Health Plans serve their members through Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Marketplace and other publicly-sponsored health programs. For more information, visit www.communityplans.net.