CMS Proposed Rule to Expand Medicare Preventive Services and Improve Access to Primary Care in 2011

CMS has issued a proposed rule that would implement key provisions in the Affordable Care Act of 2010 that expand preventive services for Medicare beneficiaries, improve payments for primary care services and promote access to health care services in rural areas. The proposed policies would apply to payments under the MPFS for services furnished on or after January 1, 2011. The proposed rule would implement provisions that will eliminate out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries for most preventive services. The proposed rule would improve access to primary care services by implementing an incentive payment for primary care services furnished by primary care practitioners, which can include physicians, NP’s, CNS’s and PA’s. The proposed rule would also implement a payment incentive program for general surgeons performing major surgery in areas designated HPSAs, would allow PA’s to order post-hospital extended care services in SNFs, and would pay certified nurse midwives for their services under the MPFS at the same rates as physicians. To read the entire CMS press release with links to the proposed rule, click here. CMS will accept comments on the proposed rule until August 24.