Navigating the Shift: What Health Plans Need To Know About the Transition From Medicare-Medicaid to D-SNPs

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, health plans must stay ahead of impending regulatory shifts, particularly the transition from Medicare-Medicaid plans to integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs). With the finalization of new rules by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), it's crucial for health plans to understand the implications of these changes and how to adapt effectively. Continue reading to learn more about what this shift means for your organization, and how Naya Advisory Services can help you navigate it.

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What Are the New Rules?

In May 2022, CMS finalized a rule that sets a definitive timeline for states participating in the Medicare-Medicaid demonstration program. By December 31, 2025, these states must either terminate their current programs or transition participants into integrated D-SNPs. This shift aims to unify care and streamline services for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, ensuring they receive comprehensive and coordinated healthcare.

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Why Are the Rules Changing?

These regulatory changes are driven by several critical goals:

  • Foster Integration and Continuity: Encouraging cohesive care across various healthcare services ensures that beneficiaries experience seamless transitions between providers.

  • Reduce Racial Disparities: The integrated approach seeks to address and minimize inequities in healthcare access and outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations.

  • Improve Care Delivery: Enhanced coordination among care providers is essential for delivering high-quality and efficient healthcare services.

  • Promote Self-Determination: Empowering beneficiaries to make informed choices about their health and care services fosters independence and satisfaction.

  • Build a Culture of Quality: Establishing standards for quality care ensures that all beneficiaries receive the level of service they deserve.
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The Impact on Your Business

While these new rules present logistical challenges for existing Medicare and Medicaid operations, they also introduce significant opportunities for proactive health plans. Organizations that can navigate the transition effectively and align with the integrated D-SNP model stand to lead industry innovation, driving membership and revenue growth in the process. The key lies in being well-prepared and willing to adapt to the changing regulatory environment.

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How We Can Help

At Naya Advisory Services, we offer tailored support to help health plans lighten the load, solve complex puzzles, and maximize opportunities presented by this transition. With a proven track record of assisting plans from the Midwest to California, we specialize in building, launching, and operating high-performing Medicare health plans, including rapid-growth MA and D-SNP plans. Our services include:

  • Advisory Services: Providing expert guidance on strategy and compliance.

  • Market and Data Analytics: Offering insights to inform decision-making and strategy.

  • Program Management: Ensuring effective implementation of new programs.

  • Care Navigation and Chronic Condition Management Programs: Enhancing patient experience and outcomes through advanced Care-as-a-Service (CaaS) and remote patient monitoring (RPM) technologies.

By partnering with us, health plans can develop robust strategies that tackle current challenges while positioning themselves for future success.

The transition from Medicare-Medicaid to D-SNPs is more than just a regulatory requirement; it’s an invitation for health plans to redefine their operational models and enhance their services. Don’t let this pivotal moment pass by. Join us at Naya Advisory Services as we guide you through this essential transformation. Connect with us today to discuss how we can help your organization thrive in the evolving healthcare landscape.

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