LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The continued impact of the value-based reimbursement model once again shows better quality and healthier outcomes, with lower costs, for people with Medicare Advantage. Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), the country’s second largest Medicare Advantage health plan provider, released its 2014 population health results today.
For the 2014 results, Humana compared quality and outcomes for approximately 1 million Medicare Advantage members who were treated by providers in value-based reimbursement model agreements with Humana versus members who were treated by providers in standard Medicare Advantage settings. Humana also experienced 18 percent lower costs in total for this same member population treated by providers in value-based reimbursement models setting versus original fee-for-service Medicare.
A strong supporter of the value-based reimbursement model, Humana has helped Medicare Advantage members across the industry experience better quality and healthier outcomes through partnerships with approximately 44,000 providers in value-based reimbursement models as of September 30, 2015. The positive impact of the value-based model in Medicare Advantage also reflects Humana’s support of the goal of the Department of Health and Human Services of tying 50 percent of traditional, or fee-for-service, Medicare payments to quality or value by 2018.
Currently, approximately 59 percent of Humana’s individual Medicare Advantage members have access to primary care physicians who are participating in value-based relationships. Humana’s goal is to continue growing its programs so that 75 percent of individual Medicare Advantage members are attributed to primary care physicians who are participating in value-based relationships by the end of 2017. Transitioning providers to value-based relationships is also a key part of Humana's 2020 goal, which is to improve the health of the communities we serve 20 percent by 2020 by making it easy for people to achieve their best health.
Key findings from the 2014 MA value-based reimbursement model are as follows:
- Providers Deliver Better Quality: Humana providers in value-based reimbursement relationships had 21 percent higher Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Star scores as compared to providers in standard Medicare Advantage settings.
- Members Experienced Healthier Outcomes: Humana Medicare Advantage members in value-based reimbursement model relationships experienced 7 percent fewer inpatient admissions per thousand. In addition, screening rates were higher for the following: colorectal cancer screening (+7 percent) and breast cancer screening (+6 percent).
- Humana had Lower Costs: By focusing on quality and health, Humana experienced 18 percent lower costs in total in 2014 for members who were treated by providers in a value-based reimbursement model setting versus original fee-for-service Medicare. When Medicare Advantage plans generate savings, costs are lowered for the government, as well as for plan members through reduced out-of-pocket costs, lower member premiums, and/or additional benefits.
“Putting the physician/patient relationship at the center of care, combined with the transformative power of the value-based reimbursement model, is helping people with Medicare Advantage achieve their best health,” said Bruce Broussard, Humana’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “These results are evident of the strong, trusting agreements we have built with our provider partners and have also led to cost reductions.”
Humana’s Accountable Care Continuum is guided by the company’s integrated and coordinated health approach; a defined, measurable patient population and pay-for results based on improved clinical outcomes and reduced costs. Humana’s assessment of the impact of its value-based approach supports the shift from a fee-for-service model to an accountable care model, aka value-based reimbursement model, of health care showing results in improved quality, health outcomes and cost savings.
“The provider community’s embrace of the value-based reimbursement model and continued dedication to patient care, combined with the population health capabilities from health plans, is proving to produce better outcomes for patients, physicians, health plans and society as a whole,” said Roy A. Beveridge, MD, Humana’s Chief Medical Officer. “As a physician who has practiced for more than 20 years, the value-based model supports the holistic approach to care that is necessary for effective population health management.”
Additional results include:
- Better Chronic Condition Management – For diabetes and osteoporosis compliance, the numbers of screenings for members in value-based reimbursement models were higher for each of the following: diabetes care – eye exam (+9 percent); diabetes care – blood sugar control (+12 percent); and osteoporosis management (+13 percent).
- Fewer Emergency Room Visits – 6 percent fewer emergency room visits per thousand than those in standard Medicare Advantage settings.
- Population Care for Special Needs – Better management for older adults in vulnerable populations. Higher assessment rates for each of the following: functional status assessment (+15 percent); medication review (+11 percent); and pain screening (+12 percent).
Last year, Humana announced results for its 2013 Medicare Advantage membership. The 2014 results are not considered a direct comparison due to multiple demographic changes in member population.
Humana Medicare Advantage
Humana has a 30-year accountable care relationship history. The company has 1.6 million individual Medicare Advantage members and 200,000 commercial members today that are cared for by approximately 44,000 primary care physicians, in more than 900 value-based relationships across 43 states and Puerto Rico.
Humana’s total Medicare Advantage membership is 3.2 million individuals, which includes members being treated by providers in value-based and standard Medicare Advantage settings.
About Humana
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is a leading health and well-being company focused on making it easy for people to achieve their best health with clinical excellence through coordinated care. The company’s strategy integrates care delivery, the member experience, and clinical and consumer insights to encourage engagement, behavior change, proactive clinical outreach and wellness for the millions of people we serve across the country.
More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company’s web site at www.humana.com, including copies of:
- Annual reports to stockholders;
- Securities and Exchange Commission filings;
- Most recent investor conference presentations;
- Quarterly earnings news releases;
- Replays of most recent earnings release conference calls;
- Calendar of events; and
- Corporate Governance information.
