HHS Hints at “Value-Based Transformation” in 2019

ANCOR is sharing this article by Politico Pro because the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has increasingly shown an interest in moving away from fee-for-service models towards value-based proposals. This carries deep implications for I/DD supports and services, whose unique needs compared to other health sectors call for deliberate and thoughtful approaches to changes in funding models.

As written by Politico Pro:

“ALEX AZAR hits one year as HHS secretary. Azar, who was sworn in a year ago today, remains focused on four key priorities, a spokesperson said. Those four areas, with links to how HHS is measuring progress: Opioids, including distributing $2 billion in grants; health insurance alternatives to the ACA; payment and regulatory changes intended to improve quality; and actions designed to lower drug prices. [Emphasis added by ANCOR.]

What’s to come in year two: 2019 will ‘see a lot of work done in value-based transformation,’ Azar’s spokesperson said, reiterating that the secretary will stay focused on all four goals – especially drug pricing.”

Learn more on what value-based payments could mean for I/DD supports: This month, ANCOR released a paper which identifies and assesses alternative payment models (APMs) and value-based purchasing for Medicaid-funded services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). ANCOR undertook this work recognizing that health care payment systems are moving toward paying for value, and that this movement offers the potential to increase efficiency, quality, and flexibility in service provision with a thoughtful and deliberate process in place. Download the report here.