MedPAC discusses draft payment recommendations for 2021

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission today discussed two possible proposals to increase payment rates for hospital inpatient and outpatient services, which the panel will consider again before voting on them in January. One proposal would increase hospital payments by 2.0% in 2021, with an additional 0.8% increase allotted via MedPAC's proposed Hospital Value Incentive Program. The other proposal would update hospital rates by the full 2.8% in 2021 with an additional increase allotted to the HVIP or “efficient” providers. MedPAC also will vote in January on proposals to increase 2021 payment rates for physicians and other health professional services by the amount specified in current law; eliminate the ambulatory surgical center conversion factor update for 2020; and require ASCs to report cost data. The commission is scheduled to discuss draft recommendations for post-acute care later today.