As we enter the final stretch of the 2024 Stars measurement year, Medicare Advantage plan leaders face a critical juncture. With CMS tightening performance thresholds, many health plans risk seeing their Star Ratings decline – especially if they fail to take action in the remaining months of this year.
While health plan leaders have faced similar challenges before, this year is different due to the shifting landscape of Star Ratings. The post-COVID era has brought significant changes to the Stars program. In 2024, CMS is applying increasingly stringent performance thresholds across many measures and implemented additional rules – changes which comes at a time where overall national Star Ratings have declined for two consecutive years.
But there’s still limited time to make a meaningful difference with the right mindset, the right partner, and the right speed to action.
The Mindset that Matters
Focusing on Medication Adherence is a smart strategy because adherence measures are triple-weighted, significantly influencing overall Star Ratings. Adherence measures are also more complex and continuous than simple process measures like cancer screenings which are one and done. Unlike other measures, adherence requires year-round attention.
However, we're already two-thirds through the 2024 measurement year. The window to act is closing in a matter of weeks. It may not be realistic to revamp your plan’s entire adherence strategy and roll out a new approach on your own.
The Partner Approach
Finding the right partner, with extensive experience in medication adherence, is a practical and effective way to move forward. ActualMeds’ expert team and tech-enabled services can analyze your data to identify gaps in your adherence measures that can be closed with the right approach. Then, the team begins targeted, data-driven outreach to the members who matter most for the remainder of the adherence measure period.
In a September 2023 case study, ActualMeds improved the predicted adherence rate for 14 out of 18 measures and the Star Rating for 10 out of 18 measures by the end of the measurement period. We use automated, data-driven processes to increase engagement probability, along with implementing scalable, personalized outreach for challenging, high-risk members that require a human interaction. Whether you're struggling with bandwidth for analytics or need a complete service overhaul, ActualMeds can deploy both technology and service solutions to help you make up ground quickly.
Remember, in the world of Star Ratings, everyday counts. Don't wait until it's too late to make a difference.
To learn more or get started, contact Brian Bainter at bbainter@actualmeds.com today to start optimizing your Star Ratings for the 2024 measurement year. Your Star Rating depends on it!