President directs HHS to propose certain Medicare policy reforms

President Trump today issued an executive order calling for policies “to protect and improve the Medicare program by enhancing its fiscal sustainability through alternative payment methodologies that link payment to value, increase choice, and lower regulatory burdens imposed upon providers.” Among other provisions, the order directs the Health and Human Services Secretary to propose reforms to provide beneficiaries with more diverse and affordable plan choices; modify fee-for-service payments to more closely reflect those in the Medicare Advantage and commercial insurance markets; improve network adequacy; enable providers to spend more time with patients; encourage innovation, competition and a diversity of patient care sites; provide seniors with better quality and cost data; and reduce regulatory burdens.