Summary
A new bipartisan bill in Congress aims to remove a 20 percent coinsurance cost that Medicare beneficiaries now pay for chronic care management services. The goal is to make it easier for seniors with multiple long-term health conditions to access these services, which help coordinate their care and may improve health outcomes.
Key Facts
- The bill is called the Chronic Care Management Improvement Act.
- It would eliminate the coinsurance fee, usually about $12 per month, for Medicare patients using chronic care management.
- These services include tracking health records, managing care during hospital stays, and scheduling follow-up care.
- Only about 4 percent of eligible Medicare patients currently use these services, even though over 22 million qualify.
- The bill was introduced by Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) and Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA).
- More than 40 healthcare and patient groups, including AARP and the American Medical Association, support the bill.
- Supporters believe removing the fee could increase participation and lower healthcare costs long term.
- The bill must pass committee review before going to a full vote in the House.
