CMS releases FAQs on 2024 Medicare Advantage rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services yesterday released FAQs clarifying coverage criteria and utilization management requirements for Medicare Advantage plans under its final rule for calendar year 2024, which includes provisions intended to increase program oversight and create better alignment between MA and Traditional Medicare. Topics addressed by the FAQs include medical necessity determinations; algorithms and artificial intelligence; internal coverage criteria; post-acute care; the two-midnight benchmark for inpatient admission criteria; prior authorization; and enforcement.

AHA has urged CMS to increase oversight of the MA program and conduct rigorous enforcement of the new rules, highlighting the need for additional clarification of specific policies to ensure plan compliance.