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S. 870 — what changed

Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act of 2017

From Reported in Senate to Engrossed in Senate. 10 sections amended and 4 added between Reported in Senate and Engrossed in Senate.

Sec. 101 Extending the Independence at Home Demonstration Program

Section 1866E of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395cc–5) is amended—

(1)
in subsection (e)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking “5-year period” and inserting “7-year period”; and
(B)
changed in paragraph (5), by striking “10,000” and inserting “15,000”; and“15,000”;
(2)
changed in subsection (i), (g), in the first sentence, by striking “second of 2” and inserting “third “, including, to the extent practicable, the use of 3”.electronic health information systems as described in subsection (b)(1)(A)(vi),” after “program”; and
(3)
added in subsection (i)(A), by striking “will not receive an incentive payment for the second of 2” and inserting “did not achieve savings for the third of 3”.

Sec. 102 Expanding access to home dialysis therapy

(a)
In general— Section 1881(b)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395rr(b)(3)) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively;
(2)
in clause (ii), as redesignated by subparagraph (A), strike “on a comprehensive” and insert “subject to subparagraph (B), on a comprehensive”;
(3)
by striking “With respect to” and inserting “(A) With respect to”; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

changed “(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A)(ii), an individual determined to have end stage renal disease receiving home dialysis may choose to receive the monthly end stage renal disease-related visits clinical assessments furnished on or after January 1, 2019, via telehealth if the individual receives a face-to-face visit, clinical assessment, without the use of telehealth, at least once every three consecutive months.”

(b)
Originating site requirements—
(1)
In general— Section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(m)) is amended—
(A)
in paragraph (4)(C)(ii), by adding at the end the following new subclauses:

“(IX) A renal dialysis facility, but only for purposes of section 1881(b)(3)(B).

“(X) The home of an individual, but only for purposes of section 1881(b)(3)(B).”

(B)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(5) Treatment of home dialysis monthly ESRD-related visit—The geographic requirements described in paragraph (4)(C)(i) shall not apply with respect to telehealth services furnished on or after January 1, 2019, for purposes of section 1881(b)(3)(B), at an originating site described in subclause (VI), (IX), or (X) of paragraph (4)(C)(ii).”

(2)
No facility fee if originating site for home dialysis therapy is the home— Section 1834(m)(2)(B) of the Social Security (42 U.S.C. 1395m(m)(2)(B)) is amended—
(A)
by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subclauses (I) and (II), and indenting appropriately;
(B)
in subclause (II), as redesignated by subparagraph (A), by striking “clause (i) or this clause” and inserting “subclause (I) or this subclause”;
(C)
by striking “site.—With respect to” and inserting “site.—

“(i) In general—Subject to clause (ii), with respect to”

(D)
by adding at the end the following new clause:

“(ii) No facility fee if originating site for home dialysis therapy is the home—No facility fee shall be paid under this subparagraph to an originating site described in paragraph (4)(C)(ii)(X).”

(c)
Conforming amendment— Section 1881(b)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395rr(b)(1)) is amended by striking “paragraph (3)(A)” and inserting “paragraph (3)(A)(i)”.

Sec. 201 Providing continued access to Medicare Advantage special needs plans for vulnerable populations

(a)
Extension— Section 1859(f)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28(f)(1)) is amended by striking “and for periods before January 1, 2019”.
(b)
Increased integration of dual SNPs—
(1)
In general— Section 1859(f) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28(f)) is amended—
(A)
in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(F) The plan meets the requirements applicable under paragraph (8).”

(B)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(8) Increased integration of dual SNPs

“(A) Designated contact—The Secretary, acting through the Federal Coordinated Health Care Office established under section 2602 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, shall serve as a dedicated point of contact for States to address misalignments that arise with the integration of specialized MA plans for special needs individuals described in subsection (b)(6)(B)(ii) under this paragraph and, consistent with such role, shall—

“(i) establish a uniform process for disseminating to State Medicaid agencies information under this title impacting contracts between such agencies and such plans under this subsection; and

“(ii) establish basic resources for States interested in exploring such plans as a platform for integration, such as a model contract or other tools to achieve those goals.

“(B) Unified grievances and appeals process

“(i) In general—Not later than April 1, 2020, the Secretary shall establish procedures, to the extent feasible, unifying grievances and appeals procedures under sections 1852(f), 1852(g), 1902(a)(3), 1902(a)(5), and 1932(b)(4) for items and services provided by specialized MA plans for special needs individuals described in subsection (b)(6)(B)(ii) under this title and title XIX. The Secretary shall solicit comment in developing such procedures from States, plans, beneficiaries and their representatives, and other relevant stakeholders.

“(ii) Procedures—The procedures established under clause (i) shall be included in the plan contract under paragraph (3)(D) and shall—

“(I) adopt the provisions for the enrollee that are most protective for the enrollee and, to the extent feasible as determined by the Secretary, are compatible with unified timeframes and consolidated access to external review under an integrated process;

“(II) take into account differences in State plans under title XIX to the extent necessary;

“(III) be easily navigable by an enrollee; and

“(IV) include the elements described in clause (iii), as applicable.

“(iii) Elements described—Both unified appeals and unified grievance procedures shall include, as applicable, the following elements described in this clause:

“(I) Single written notification of all applicable grievances and appeal rights under this title and title XIX. For purposes of this subparagraph, the Secretary may waive the requirements under section 1852(g)(1)(B) when the specialized MA plan covers items or services under this part or under title XIX.

“(II) Single pathways for resolution of any grievance or appeal related to a particular item or service provided by specialized MA plans for special needs individuals described in subsection (b)(6)(B)(ii) under this title and title XIX.

“(III) Notices written in plain language and available in a language and format that is accessible to the enrollee, including in non-English languages that are prevalent in the service area of the specialized MA plan.

“(IV) Unified timeframes for grievances and appeals processes, such as an individual’s filing of a grievance or appeal, a plan’s acknowledgment and resolution of a grievance or appeal, and notification of decisions with respect to a grievance or appeal.

“(V) Requirements for how the plan must process, track, and resolve grievances and appeals, to ensure beneficiaries are notified on a timely basis of decisions that are made throughout the grievance or appeals process and are able to easily determine the status of a grievance or appeal.

“(iv) Continuation of benefits pending appeal—The unified procedures under clause (i) shall, with respect to all benefits under parts A and B and title XIX subject to appeal under such procedures, incorporate provisions under current law and implementing regulations that provide continuation of benefits pending appeal under this title and title XIX.

“(C) Requirement for unified grievances and appeals—For 2021 and subsequent years, the contract of a specialized MA plan for special needs individuals described in subsection (b)(6)(B)(ii) with a State Medicaid agency under paragraph (3)(D) shall require the use of unified grievances and appeals procedures as described in subparagraph (B).

changed “(D) Requirements for integration—For 2022 2021 and subsequent years, a specialized MA plan for special needs individuals described in subsection (b)(6)(B)(ii) shall meet one or more of the following requirements, to the extent permitted under State law, for integration of benefits under this title and title XIX:

changed “(i) The specialized MA plan must meet the requirements of contracting with the State Medicaid agency described in paragraph (3)(D) in addition to coordinating long-term services and supports or behavioral health services, or both, by meeting an additional minimum set of requirements determined by the Secretary through the Federal Coordinated Health Care Office established under section 2018 2602 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act based on input from stakeholders, such as notifying the State in a timely manner of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and hospital or nursing home discharges of enrollees, assigning one primary care provider for each enrollee, or sharing data that would benefit the coordination of items and services under this title and the State plan under title XIX. Such minimum set of requirements must be included in the contract of the specialized MA plan with the State Medicaid agency under such paragraph.

“(ii) The specialized MA plan must meet the requirements of a fully integrated plan described in section 1853(a)(1)(B)(iv)(II) (other than the requirement that the plan have similar average levels of frailty, as determined by the Secretary, as the PACE program), or enter into a capitated contract with the State Medicaid agency to provide long-term services and supports or behavioral health services, or both.

changed “(iii) In the case where an individual is enrolled in both the specialized MA plan and a Medicaid managed care organization (as defined in section 1903(m)(1)(A)) that provides providing long term services and supports or behavioral health services with that have the same parent organization, the parent organization offering both the specialized MA plan and the Medicaid managed care plan must assume clinical and financial responsibility for benefits provided under this title and title XIX.”

(2)
Conforming amendment to responsibilities of Federal Coordinated Health Care Office— Section 2602(d) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 1315b(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

“(6) To act as a designated contact for States under subsection (f)(8)(A) of section 1859 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28) with respect to the integration of specialized MA plans for special needs individuals described in subsection (b)(6)(B)(ii) of such section.

“(7) To be responsible for developing regulations and guidance related to the implementation of a unified grievance and appeals process as described in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 1859(f)(8) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28(f)(8)).”

(c)
Improvements to severe or disabling chronic condition SNPs—
(1)
Care management requirements— Section 1859(f)(5) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28(f)(5)) is amended—
(A)
by striking “all SNPs.—The requirements” and inserting “all SNPs.—

“(A) In general—Subject to subparagraph (B), the requirements”

(B)
by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and indenting appropriately;
(C)
in clause (ii), as redesignated by subparagraph (B), by redesignating clauses (i) through (iii) as subclauses (I) through (III), respectively, and indenting appropriately; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(B) Improvements to care management requirements for severe or disabling chronic condition SNPs—For 2020 and subsequent years, in the case of a specialized MA plan for special needs individuals described in subsection (b)(6)(B)(iii), the requirements described in this paragraph include the following:

“(i) The interdisciplinary team under subparagraph (A)(ii)(III) includes a team of providers with demonstrated expertise, including training in an applicable specialty, in treating individuals similar to the targeted population of the plan.

“(ii) Requirements developed by the Secretary to provide face-to-face encounters with individuals enrolled in the plan not less frequently than on an annual basis.

“(iii) As part of the model of care under clause (i) of subparagraph (A), the results of the initial assessment and annual reassessment under clause (ii)(I) of such subparagraph of each individual enrolled in the plan are addressed in the individual’s individualized care plan under clause (ii)(II) of such subparagraph.

“(iv) As part of the annual evaluation and approval of such model of care, the Secretary shall take into account whether the plan fulfilled the previous year’s goals (as required under the model of care).

“(v) The Secretary shall establish a minimum benchmark for each element of the model of care of a plan. The Secretary shall only approve a plan's model of care under this paragraph if each element of the model of care meets the minimum benchmark applicable under the preceding sentence.”

(2)
Revisions to the definition of a severe or disabling chronic conditions specialized needs individual—
(A)
In general— Section 1859(b)(6)(B)(iii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28(b)(6)(B)(iii)) is amended—
(i)
by striking “who have” and inserting “who—

“(I) before January 1, 2022, have”

(ii)
in subclause (I), as added by clause (i), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and
(iii)
by adding at the end the following new subclause:

“(II) on or after January 1, 2022, have one or more comorbid and medically complex chronic conditions that is life threatening or significantly limits overall health or function, have a high risk of hospitalization or other adverse health outcomes, and require intensive care coordination and that is listed under subsection (f)(9)(A).”

(B)
Panel of clinical advisors— Section 1859(f) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28(f)), as amended by subsection (b), is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(9) List of conditions for clarification of the definition of a severe or disabling chronic conditions specialized needs individual

“(A) In general—Not later than December 31, 2020, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall convene a panel of clinical advisors to establish and update a list of conditions that meet each of the following criteria:

“(i) Conditions that meet the definition of a severe or disabling chronic condition under subsection (b)(6)(B)(iii) on or after January 1, 2022.

changed “(ii) Conditions that—that require prescription drugs, providers, and models of care that are unique to the specific population of enrollees in a specialized MA plan for special needs individuals described in such subsection on or after such date and—

changed “(I) require prescription drugs, providers, and models of care that are unique to the specific population as a result of enrollees in access to, and enrollment in, such a specialized MA plan for special needs individuals, individuals described in such subsection on or after with such date and condition would not be needed by have a reasonable expectation of slowing or halting the general population progression of beneficiaries under this title; andthe disease, improving health outcomes and decreasing overall costs for individuals diagnosed with such condition compared to available options of care other than through such a specialized MA plan for special needs individuals; or

“(II) have a low prevalence in the general population of beneficiaries under this title or a disproportionally high per-beneficiary cost under this title.

“(B) Requirement—In establishing and updating the list under subparagraph (A), the panel shall take into account the availability of varied benefits, cost-sharing, and supplemental benefits under the model described in paragraph (2) of section 1859(h), including the expansion under paragraph (1) of such section.”

(d)
Quality measurement at the plan level for SNPs and determination of feasability of quality measurement at the plan level for all MA plans— Section 1853(o) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–23(o)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

“(6) Quality measurement at the plan level for SNPs

“(A) In general—Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary may require reporting of data under section 1852(e) for, and apply under this subsection, quality measures at the plan level for specialized MA plans for special needs individuals instead of at the contract level.

“(B) Considerations—Prior to applying quality measurement at the plan level under this paragraph, the Secretary shall—

“(i) take into consideration the minimum number of enrollees in a specialized MA plan for special needs individuals in order to determine if a statistically significant or valid measurement of quality at the plan level is possible under this paragraph;

changed “(ii) if quality measures are reported at take into consideration the plan level, ensure that MA impact of such application on plans are not required to provide duplicative information; andthat serve a disproportionate number of individuals dually eligible for benefits under this title and under title XIX;

changed “(iii) if quality measures are reported at the plan level, ensure that such reporting does not interfere with the collection of encounter data submitted by MA organizations or the administration of any changes plans are not required to the program under this part as a result of the collection of such data.provide duplicative information;

added “(iv) ensure that such reporting does not interfere with the collection of encounter data submitted by MA organizations or the administration of any changes to the program under this part as a result of the collection of such data.

“(C) Application—If the Secretary applies quality measurement at the plan level under this paragraph, such quality measurement may include Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (HOS), Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS), Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) measures and quality measures under part D.

“(7) Determination of feasibility of quality measurement at the plan level for all MA plans

“(A) Determination of feasibility—The Secretary shall determine the feasibility of requiring reporting of data under section 1852(e) for, and applying under this subsection, quality measures at the plan level for all MA plans under this part.

“(B) Consideration of change—After making a determination under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider requiring such reporting and applying such quality measures at the plan level as described in such subparagraph.”

(e)
GAO study and report on State-Level integration between dual SNPs and Medicaid—
(1)
Study— The Comptroller General of the United States (in this paragraph referred to as the “Comptroller General”) shall conduct a study on State-level integration between specialized MA plans for special needs individuals described in subsection (b)(6)(B)(ii) of section 1859 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28) and the Medicaid program under title XIX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.). Such study shall include an analysis of the following:
(A)
The characteristics of States in which the State agency responsible for administering the State plan under such title XIX has a contract with such a specialized MA plan and that delivers long term services and supports under the State plan under such title XIX through a managed care program, including the requirements under such State plan with respect to long term services and supports.
(B)
The types of such specialized MA plans, which may include the following:
(i)
A plan described in section 1853(a)(1)(B)(iv)(II) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–23(a)(1)(B)(iv)(II)).
(ii)
A plan that meets the requirements described in subsection (f)(3)(D) of such section 1859.
(iii)
A plan described in clause (ii) that also meets additional requirements established by the State.
(C)
The characteristics of individuals enrolled in such specialized MA plans.
(D)
As practicable, the following with respect to State programs for the delivery of long term services and supports under such title XIX through a managed care program:
(i)
Which populations of individuals are eligible to receive such services and supports.
(ii)
Whether all such services and supports are provided on a capitated basis or if any of such services and supports are carved out and provided through fee-for-service.
(E)
How the availability and variation of integration arrangements of such specialized MA plans offered in States affects spending, service delivery options, access to community-based care, and utilization of care.
(F)
added The efforts of State Medicaid programs to transition dually-eligible beneficiaries receiving long term services and supports (LTSS) from institutional settings to home and community-based settings and related financial impacts of such transitions.
(2)
Report— Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1), together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.

Sec. 302 Expanding supplemental benefits to meet the needs of chronically ill Medicare Advantage enrollees

(a)
In general— Section 1852(a)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–22(a)(3)) is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (A), by striking “Each” and inserting “Subject to subparagraph (D), each”; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

“(D) Expanding supplemental benefits to meet the needs of chronically ill enrollees

“(i) In general—For plan year 2020 and subsequent plan years, in addition to any supplemental health care benefits otherwise provided under this paragraph, an MA plan may provide supplemental benefits described in clause (ii) to a chronically ill enrollee (as defined in clause (iii)).

“(ii) Supplemental benefits described

“(I) In general—Supplemental benefits described in this clause are supplemental benefits that, with respect to a chronically ill enrollee, have a reasonable expectation of improving or maintaining the health or overall function of the chronically ill enrollee and may not be limited to being primarily health related benefits.

“(II) Authority to waive uniformity requirements—The Secretary may, only with respect to supplemental benefits provided to a chronically ill enrollee under this subparagraph, waive the uniformity requirement under subsection (d)(1)(A), as determined appropriate by the Secretary.

“(iii) Chronically ill enrollee defined—In this subparagraph, the term chronically ill enrollee means an enrollee in an MA plan that the Secretary determines—

“(I) has one or more comorbid and medically complex chronic conditions that is life threatening or significantly limits the overall health or function of the enrollee;

“(II) has a high risk of hospitalization or other adverse health outcomes; and

“(III) requires intensive care coordination.”

(b)
GAO study and report—
(1)
changed Study— The Comptroller General of the United States (in this subsection referred to as the “Comptroller General”) shall conduct a study on supplemental benefits provided to enrollees in Medicare Advantage plans under part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act. Such To the extend data are available, such study shall include an analysis of the following:
(A)
The type of supplemental benefits provided to such enrollees, the total number of enrollees receiving each supplemental benefit, and whether the supplemental benefit is covered by the standard benchmark cost of the benefit or with an additional premium.
(B)
The frequency in which supplemental benefits are utilized by such enrollees.
(C)
The impact supplemental benefits have on—
(i)
indicators of the quality of care received by such enrollees, including overall health and function of the enrollees;
(ii)
the utilization of items and services for which benefits are available under the original Medicare fee-for-service program option under parts A and B of such title XVIII by such enrollees; and
(iii)
the amount of the bids submitted by Medicare Advantage Organizations for Medicare Advantage plans under such part C.
(2)
Report— Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1), together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.

Sec. 303 Increasing convenience for Medicare Advantage enrollees through telehealth

(a)
In general— Section 1852 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–22) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(1)(B)(i), by inserting “, subject to subsection (m),” after “means”; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(m) Provision of additional telehealth benefits

“(1) MA plan option—For plan year 2020 and subsequent plan years, subject to the requirements of paragraph (3), an MA plan may provide additional telehealth benefits (as defined in paragraph (2)) to individuals enrolled under this part.

“(2) Additional telehealth benefits defined

“(A) In general—For purposes of this subsection and section 1854:

“(i) Definition—The term “additional telehealth benefits” means services—

“(I) for which benefits are available under part B, including services for which payment is not made under section 1834(m) due to the conditions for payment under such section; and

“(II) that are identified as clinically appropriate to furnish using electronic information and telecommunications technology when a physician (as defined in section 1861(r)) or practitioner (described in section 1842(b)(18)(C)) providing the service is not at the same location as the plan enrollee.

“(ii) Exclusion of capital and infrastructure costs and investments—The term “additional telehealth benefits” does not include capital and infrastructure costs and investments relating to such benefits.

changed “(B) Public comment—Not later than November 30, 2018, the Secretary shall solicit comments on what types of telehealth services currently offered to enrollees under this part through supplemental health care benefits should be considered to meet the definition of additional telehealth benefits under this paragraph.on—

added “(i) what types of items and services (including those provided through supplemental health care benefits) should be considered to be additional telehealth benefits; and

added “(ii) the requirements for the provision or furnishing of such benefits (such as licensure, training, and coordination requirements).

“(3) Requirements for additional telehealth benefits—The Secretary shall specify requirements for the provision or furnishing of additional telehealth benefits, including with respect to the following:

“(A) Physician or practitioner licensure and other requirements such as specific training.

“(B) Factors necessary to ensure the coordination of such benefits with items and services furnished in-person.

“(C) Such other areas as determined by the Secretary.

removed “(4) Enrollee choice—If an MA plan provides a service as an additional telehealth benefit (as defined in paragraph (2)), an individual enrollee shall have discretion as to whether to receive such service as an additional telehealth benefit.

removed “(5) Construction regarding network access adequacy—Provision of additional telehealth benefits under this subsection shall not be construed as making such benefits available and accessible for purposes of compliance with subsection (d).

changed “(6) Treatment under MA—For purposes of this subsection and section 1854, “(4) Enrollee choice—If an MA plan provides a service as an additional telehealth benefits shall be treated as if they were benefits under the original Medicare fee-for-service program option.benefit (as defined in paragraph (2))—

changed “(7) Construction—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as affecting “(A) the requirement under subsection (a)(1) that MA plans plan shall also provide enrollees with items and services (other than hospice care) for which benefits are available under parts A and B, including benefits available under section 1834(m).”access to such benefit through an in-person visit (and not only as an additional telehealth benefit); and

added “(B) an individual enrollee shall have discretion as to whether to receive such service through the in-person visit or as an additional telehealth benefit.

added “(5) Treatment under MA—For purposes of this subsection and section 1854, additional telehealth benefits shall be treated as if they were benefits under the original Medicare fee-for-service program option.

added “(6) Construction—Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as affecting the requirement under subsection (a)(1) that MA plans provide enrollees with items and services (other than hospice care) for which benefits are available under parts A and B, including benefits available under section 1834(m).”

(b)
Clarification regarding inclusion in bid amount— Section 1854(a)(6)(A)(ii)(I) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–24(a)(6)(A)(ii)(I)) is amended by inserting “, including, for plan year 2020 and subsequent plan years, the provision of additional telehealth benefits as described in section 1852(m)” before the semicolon at the end.

Sec. 305 Expanding the use of telehealth for individuals with stroke

Section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(m)), as amended by section 102(b)(2), is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(6) Treatment of stroke telehealth services

changed “(A) Non-application of originating site requirements—The requirements described in paragraph (4)(C) shall not apply with respect to telehealth services furnished on or after January 1, 2019, 2021, for purposes of evaluation of an acute stroke, as determined by the Secretary.

changed “(B) No originating site facility fee—The fee—In the case of an originating site that does not meet the requirements described in paragraph (4)(C), he Secretary shall not pay an originating site facility fee (as described in paragraph (2)(B)) to the originating site with respect to such telehealth services.”

Sec. 401 Providing flexibility for beneficiaries to be part of an accountable care organization

Section 1899(c) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395jjj(c)) is amended—

(1)
by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting appropriately;
(2)
by striking “ACOs.—The Secretary” and inserting “ACOs.—

“(1) In general—Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary”

(3)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(2) Providing flexibility

“(A) Choice of prospective assignment—For each agreement period (effective for agreements entered into or renewed on or after January 1, 2020), in the case where an ACO established under the program is in a Track that provides for the retrospective assignment of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries to the ACO, the Secretary shall permit the ACO to choose to have Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries assigned prospectively, rather than retrospectively, to the ACO for an agreement period.

“(B) Assignment based on voluntary identification by Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries

changed “(i) In general—For performance year 2019 2018 and each subsequent performance year, if a system is available for electronic designation, the Secretary shall permit a Medicare fee-for-service beneficiary to voluntarily identify an ACO professional as the primary care provider of the beneficiary for purposes of assigning such beneficiary to an ACO, as determined by the Secretary.

“(ii) Notification process—The Secretary shall establish a process under which a Medicare fee-for-service beneficiary is—

“(I) notified of their ability to make an identification described in clause (i); and

“(II) informed of the process by which they may make and change such identification.

“(iii) Superseding claims-based assignment—A voluntary identification by a Medicare fee-for-service beneficiary under this subparagraph shall supersede any claims-based assignment otherwise determined by the Secretary.”

Sec. 502 GAO study and report on longitudinal comprehensive care planning services under Medicare part B

(a)
Study— The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on the establishment under part B of the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act of a payment code for a visit for longitudinal comprehensive care planning services. Such study shall include an analysis of the following to the extent such information is available:
(1)
The frequency with which services similar to longitudinal comprehensive care planning services are furnished to Medicare beneficiaries, which providers of services and suppliers are furnishing those services, whether Medicare reimbursement is being received for those services, and, if so, through which codes those services are being reimbursed.
(2)
Whether, and the extent to which, longitudinal comprehensive care planning services would overlap, and could therefore result in duplicative payment, with services covered under the hospice benefit as well as the chronic care management code, evaluation and management codes, or other codes that already exist under part B of the Medicare program.
(3)
changed Any barriers to hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice programs, home health agencies, and other applicable providers working with a Medicare beneficiary to engage in the care planning process and complete the necessary documentation to support the treatment and care plan of the beneficiary and provide such documentation to other providers and the beneficiary or his the beneficiary's representative.
(4)
Any barriers to providers, other than the provider furnishing longitudinal comprehensive care planning services, accessing the care plan and associated documentation for use related to the care of the Medicare beneficiary.
(5)
Potential options for ensuring that applicable providers are notified of a patient’s existing longitudinal care plan and that applicable providers consider that plan in making their treatment decisions, and what the challenges might be in implementing such options.
(6)
Stakeholder's views on the need for the development of quality metrics with respect to longitudinal comprehensive care planning services, such as measures related to—
(A)
the process of eliciting input from the Medicare beneficiary or from a legally authorized representative and documenting in the medical record the patient-directed care plan;
(B)
the effectiveness and patient-centeredness of the care plan in organizing delivery of services consistent with the plan;
(C)
the availability of the care plan and associated documentation to other providers that care for the beneficiary; and
(D)
the extent to which the beneficiary received services and support that is free from discrimination based on advanced age, disability status, or advanced illness.
(7)
Stakeholder's views on how such quality metrics would provide information on—
(A)
the goals, values, and preferences of the beneficiary;
(B)
the documentation of the care plan;
(C)
services furnished to the beneficiary; and
(D)
outcomes of treatment.
(8)
Stakeholder's views on—
(A)
the type of training and education needed for applicable providers, individuals, and caregivers in order to facilitate longitudinal comprehensive care planning services;
(B)
the types of providers of services and suppliers that should be included in the interdisciplinary team of an applicable provider; and
(C)
the characteristics of Medicare beneficiaries that would be most appropriate to receive longitudinal comprehensive care planning services, such as individuals with advanced disease and individuals who need assistance with multiple activities of daily living.
(9)
Stakeholder's views on the frequency with which longitudinal comprehensive care planning services should be furnished.
(b)
Report— Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study conducted under subsection (a), together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.
(c)
Definitions— In this section:
(1)
Applicable provider— The term applicable provider means a hospice program (as defined in subsection (dd)(2) of section 1861 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww)) or other provider of services (as defined in subsection (u) of such section) or supplier (as defined in subsection (d) of such section) that—
(A)
furnishes longitudinal comprehensive care planning services through an interdisciplinary team; and
(B)
meets such other requirements as the Secretary may determine to be appropriate.
(2)
Comptroller General— The term “Comptroller General” means the Comptroller General of the United States.
(3)
Interdisciplinary team— The term interdisciplinary team means a group that—
(A)
includes the personnel described in subsection (dd)(2)(B)(i) of such section 1861;
(B)
may include a chaplain, minister, or other clergy; and
(C)
may include other direct care personnel.
(4)
Longitudinal comprehensive care planning services— The term longitudinal comprehensive care planning services means a voluntary shared decisionmaking process that is furnished by an applicable provider through an interdisciplinary team and includes a conversation with Medicare beneficiaries who have received a diagnosis of a serious or life-threatening illness. The purpose of such services is to discuss a longitudinal care plan that addresses the progression of the disease, treatment options, the goals, values, and preferences of the beneficiary, and the availability of other resources and social supports that may reduce the beneficiary’s health risks and promote self-management and shared decisionmaking.
(5)
Secretary— The term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Sec. 601 Providing prescription drug plans with parts A and B claims data to promote the appropriate use of medications and improve health outcomes

added Section 1860D–4(c) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–104(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

added “(6) Providing prescription drug plans with parts A and B claims data to promote the appropriate use of medications and improve health outcomes

added “(A) Process—Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall establish a process under which a PDP sponsor of a prescription drug plan may submit a request for the Secretary to provide the sponsor, on a periodic basis and in an electronic format, beginning in plan year 2020, data described in subparagraph (D) with respect to enrollees in such plan. Such data shall be provided without regard to whether such enrollees are described in clause (ii) of paragraph (2)(A).

added “(B) Purposes—A PDP sponsor may use the data provided to the sponsor pursuant to subparagraph (A) for any of the following purposes:

added “(i) To optimize therapeutic outcomes through improved medication use, as such phrase is used in clause (i) of paragraph (2)(A).

added “(ii) To improving care coordination so as to prevent adverse health outcomes, such as preventable emergency department visits and hospital readmissions.

added “(iii) For any other purpose determined appropriate by the Secretary.

added “(C) Limitations on data use—A PDP sponsor shall not use data provided to the sponsor pursuant to subparagraph (A) for any of the following purposes:

added “(i) To inform coverage determinations under this part.

added “(ii) To conduct retroactive reviews of medically accepted indications determinations.

added “(iii) To facilitate enrollment changes to a different prescription drug plan or an MA–PD plan offered by the same parent organization.

added “(iv) To inform marketing of benefits.

added “(v) For any other purpose that the Secretary determines is necessary to include in order to protect the identity of individuals entitled to, or enrolled for, benefits under this title and to protect the security of personal health information.

added “(D) Data described—The data described in this clause are standardized extracts (as determined by the Secretary) of claims data under parts A and B for items and services furnished under such parts for time periods specified by the Secretary. Such data shall include data as current as practicable.”

(a)
removed Study— The Comptroller General of the United States (in this section referred to as the “Comptroller General”) shall conduct a study on the extent to which Medicare prescription drug plans (MA–PD plans and standalone prescription drug plans) under part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act and private payors use programs that synchronize pharmacy dispensing so that individuals may receive multiple prescriptions on the same day to facilitate comprehensive counseling and promote medication adherence. The study shall include a review of the following:
(1)
removed The extent to which pharmacies have adopted such programs.
(2)
removed The common characteristics of such programs, including how pharmacies structure counseling sessions under such programs and the types of payment and other arrangements that Medicare prescription drug plans and private payors employ under such programs to support the efforts of pharmacies.
(3)
removed How such programs compare for Medicare prescription drug plans and private payors.
(4)
removed What is known about how such programs affect patient medication adherence and overall patient health outcomes and health outcomes, including if adherence and outcomes vary by patient subpopulations, such as disease state and socioeconomic status.
(5)
removed What is known about overall patient satisfaction with such programs and satisfaction with such programs, including within patient subpopulations, such as disease state and socioeconomic status.
(6)
removed The extent to which laws and regulations of the Medicare program support such programs.
(7)
removed Barriers to the use of medication synchronization programs by Medicare prescription drug plans.
(b)
removed Report— Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study under subsection (a), together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.

Sec. 602 GAO study and report on improving medication synchronization

(a)
changed Study— The Comptroller General of the United States (in this section referred to as the “Comptroller General”) shall conduct a study on the use of prescription drugs extent to manage the weight of obese patients and the impact of coverage of such drugs on patient health and on health care spending. Such study shall examine the use which Medicare prescription drug plans (MA–PD plans and impact standalone prescription drug plans) under part D of these obesity drugs in the non-Medicare population and for Medicare beneficiaries who have such drugs covered through an MA–PD plan (as defined in section 1860D–1(a)(3)(C) title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–101(a)(3)(C))) as a supplemental health care benefit. and private payors use programs that synchronize pharmacy dispensing so that individuals may receive multiple prescriptions on the same day to facilitate comprehensive counseling and promote medication adherence. The study shall include an a analysis of the following:
(1)
changed The prevalence of obesity in the Medicare and non-Medicare population.extent to which pharmacies have adopted such programs.
(2)
changed The utilization common characteristics of obesity drugs.such programs, including how pharmacies structure counseling sessions under such programs and the types of payment and other arrangements that Medicare prescription drug plans and private payors employ under such programs to support the efforts of pharmacies.
(3)
changed The distribution of Body Mass Index by individuals taking obesity drugs, to the extent practicable.How such programs compare for Medicare prescription drug plans and private payors.
(4)
changed What is known about the use of obesity drugs in conjunction with the receipt of other items or services, how such as behavioral counseling, programs affect patient medication adherence and how these compare to items overall patient health outcomes, including if adherence and services received outcomes vary by obese individuals who do not take obesity drugs.patient subpopulations, such as disease state and socioeconomic status.
(5)
changed Physician considerations What is known about overall patient satisfaction with such programs and attitudes related to prescribing obesity drugs.satisfaction with such programs, including within patient subpopulations, such as disease state and socioeconomic status.
(6)
changed The extent to which coverage policies cease or limit coverage for individuals who fail to receive clinical benefit.laws and regulations of the Medicare program support such programs.
(7)
changed What is known about the extent to which individuals who take obesity drugs adhere Barriers to the prescribed regimen.use of medication synchronization programs by Medicare prescription drug plans.
(8)
removed What is known about the extent to which individuals who take obesity drugs maintain weight loss over time.
(9)
removed What is known about the subsequent impact such drugs have on medical services that are directly related to obesity, including with respect to subpopulations determined based on the extent of obesity.
(10)
removed What is known about the spending associated with the care of individuals who take obesity drugs, compared to the spending associated with the care of individuals who do not take such drugs.
(b)
Report— Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study under subsection (a), together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.

Sec. 603 GAO study and report on impact of obesity drugs on patient health and spending

added
(a)
added Study— The Comptroller General of the United States (in this section referred to as the “Comptroller General”) shall, to the extent data are available, conduct a study on the use of prescription drugs to manage the weight of obese patients and the impact of coverage of such drugs on patient health and on health care spending. Such study shall examine the use and impact of these obesity drugs in the non-Medicare population and for Medicare beneficiaries who have such drugs covered through an MA–PD plan (as defined in section 1860D–1(a)(3)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–101(a)(3)(C))) as a supplemental health care benefit. The study shall include an analysis of the following:
(1)
added The prevalence of obesity in the Medicare and non-Medicare population.
(2)
added The utilization of obesity drugs.
(3)
added The distribution of Body Mass Index by individuals taking obesity drugs, to the extent practicable.
(4)
added What is known about the use of obesity drugs in conjunction with the receipt of other items or services, such as behavioral counseling, and how these compare to items and services received by obese individuals who do not take obesity drugs.
(5)
added Physician considerations and attitudes related to prescribing obesity drugs.
(6)
added The extent to which coverage policies cease or limit coverage for individuals who fail to receive clinical benefit.
(7)
added What is known about the extent to which individuals who take obesity drugs adhere to the prescribed regimen.
(8)
added What is known about the extent to which individuals who take obesity drugs maintain weight loss over time.
(9)
added What is known about the subsequent impact such drugs have on medical services that are directly related to obesity, including with respect to subpopulations determined based on the extent of obesity.
(10)
added What is known about the spending associated with the care of individuals who take obesity drugs, compared to the spending associated with the care of individuals who do not take such drugs.
(b)
added Report— Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study under subsection (a), together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.

Sec. 604 HHS study and report on long-term risk factors for chronic conditions among Medicare beneficiaries

added
(a)
added Study— The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the “Secretary”) shall conduct a study on long-term cost drivers to the Medicare program, including obesity, tobacco use, mental health conditions, and other factors that may contribute to the deterioration of health conditions among individuals with chronic conditions in the Medicare population. The study shall include an analysis of any barriers to collecting and analyzing such information and how to remove any such barriers (including through legislation and administrative actions).
(b)
added Report— Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study under subsection (a), together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Secretary determines appropriate. The Secretary shall also post such report on the Internet website of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Sec. 701 Medicare Improvement Fund

added

added Section 1898(b)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395iii(b)(1)) is amended by striking “$270,000,000” and inserting “$0”.

Sec. 702 Medicaid Improvement Fund

added

added Section 1941(b)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396w–1(b)(1)) is amended by striking “$5,000,000” and inserting “$0”.