The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), with the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), on Dec. 14 released for public comment a proposed set of structure and process measures for Medicare special needs plans (SNPs). The proposed measures will examine how SNPs set up case management programs for members with complex needs and how they act to improve clinical care and patient experience.
SNPs are one of the fastest growing health plan options available as part of Medicare Advantage. SNPs provide special clinical programs to help people with distinct healthcare needs, reducing the need for them to be hospitalized or placed in an institution. As of 2007, more than 470 SNPs are serving more than 1 million beneficiaries, and more than 760 SNPs will be available in 2008. Comments are due by Jan. 15, 2008. Access the CMS SNP web page.
