3 Policy Moves Likely to Change Health Care for Older People

The article discusses three policy moves that are likely to impact healthcare for older people in the United States. Firstly, the Trump administration has proposed relaxing some Medicare rules that limit how insurance companies can structure their drug plans. This could result in higher out-of-pocket costs for some Medicare beneficiaries. Secondly, the administration is also considering eliminating a rule that requires nursing homes to have full-time, on-site nurses. This change could potentially compromise the quality of care for nursing home residents. Lastly, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is launching a pilot program that uses artificial intelligence to help identify Medicare beneficiaries at risk of hospitalization. While this could lead to improved care, there are concerns about the accuracy and transparency of the AI algorithms used. Overall, these policy changes raise worries about potential negative impacts on healthcare access, quality, and affordability for older Americans. The article suggests the need for careful evaluation and oversight to ensure that the interests of Medicare beneficiaries are protected.