Medicare

The Medicare program is a health insurance program funded by the federal government for older adults, aged 65 and above, as well as younger individuals who have disabilities or end-stage renal disease. There are both strategic opportunities and challenges for health and human service provider organizations serving Medicare beneficiaries, who often have complex health and social support needs. As a result, Medicare plans are looking for innovative services and initiatives that demonstrate a return-on-investment in spending and consumer outcomes.


After Medicare eased telehealth restrictions during the COVID-19 public health emergency, telehealth visits among fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries rose during 2020, but then stabilized in 2021 and beyond. The increased volume of telehealth visits was not associated with an increase in the volume of outpatient evaluation and management (E&M) visits. Telehealth-initiated episodes of care were associated with lower use of lab tests and imaging compared to in-person visits. Telehealth visits were associated with lower 30-day Medicare… Read