Wakely Wire

New Insights

Whitepapers, briefs, press releases and more

2022 RADV Results and Insights

Wakely conducts national HHS-RADV IVA surveys to assist participants in estimating their RADV-adjusted risk transfers months before CMS releases official results. Obtaining timely estimates of RADV impacts and detailed deliverables allow issuers to understand RADV impact to risk transfers and manage financial risks.

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Week in Washington 08/15/24

Drug Price Negotiations Announced CMS announced the results of their first ever drug price negotiations. As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act CMS negotiated the price of 10 drugs, to be effective January 1, 2026. According to CMS: “Compared to 2023 Medicare spending net of all rebates and certain fees and payments, if the ... Read more

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Events & More

Unlocking Solutions in Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace

Watch as our dynamic Keynote Speaker, Dr. Darshak Sanghavi, MD, Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, discusses the need to innovate in public health and broader health systems. Get ready for a powerful discussion on the future of healthcare innovation and its impact on solving today’s most pressing issues!

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Newsworthy Findings

Medicare Announces Lower Prices on 10 Common, High-Cost Drugs

The negotiations with drugmakers are projected to save older adults $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs when the new prices go into effect in 2026.

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Editor's Note
Notable drugs include Eliquis, a blood thinner, and various diabetes drugs. It is also estimated that this negotiation can help an estimated 1 in 7 older U.S. adults who struggle to pay for their medications.

CMS Finalizes Notice on Medicare Coverage for Breakthrough Devices

Through the new pathway, called Transitional Coverage for Emerging Technologies, the CMS will consider five medical device candidates yearly for national coverage.

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Editor's Note
The pathway, called Transitional Coverage for Emerging Technologies (TCET), is intended to expedite Medicare coverage of new medical devices. On average, it takes about five years after a device is authorized by the Food and Drug Administration to gain national Medicare and commercial insurance coverage, according to a survey by the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign.

54% of Medicare Eligibles Enrolled in MA for 2024: KFF

Fifty-four percent of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a private Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, and, in seven states, that figure tops 60%, according to a new report from KFF, as of 2024. Just 10 years ago, there were no states in which MA accounted for more than 50% of Medicare enrollment.

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Editor's Note
As MA enrollment climbs, there is greater scrutiny on costs associated with the program and how well it's working for beneficiaries. Research largely suggests that MA plans are paid more for members than those costs would be in traditional Medicare.

Consumer, Payer Groups Ask Congress to Address Medicaid Churn

Letter calls on Congress to enact the Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act.

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Editor's Note
The letter urges Congress to support a 12-month continuous eligibility allowance for adults enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP.

HHS Proposal Would Require Health IT Contractors to Meet Data Exchange Standards

HHS is proposing a new rule requiring healthcare entities that contract with the department to use HHS-adopted health IT standards to promote interoperability, while some expert’s express concerns about potential impacts on innovation and the expanded regulatory scope.

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Editor's Note
This summary highlights the potential implications of HHS's proposed rule on health IT standards, emphasizing both the goal of advancing interoperability and the concerns about its impact on innovation and regulatory expansion.

Bonus Article

Just for Fun

Math Riddle:

I am a number with a couple of friends, quarter a dozen and you’ll find me again.

Prior Week

Q: How do you keep warm in a cold room?
A: You go to the corner because it’s always 90 degrees.

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