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Section 721 of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) authorized development and testing of voluntary chronic care improvement programs, now called Medicare Health Support, to improve the quality of care and life for people living with multiple chronic illnesses. The programs are helping participants adhere to their physicians' plans of care and obtain the medical care they need to reduce their health risks. Chronic conditions are a leading cause of illness, disability, and death among Medicare beneficiaries and account for a disproportionate share of health care expenditures. About 14 percent of Medicare beneficiaries have heart failure, but they account for 43 percent of Medicare spending. About 18 percent of Medicare beneficiaries have diabetes, yet they account for 32 percent of Medicare spending. By better managing and coordinating the care of these beneficiaries, the new Medicare initiative helps to reduce health risks, improve quality of life, and provide savings to the program and the beneficiaries. The programs are overseen by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and operated by health care organizations chosen through a competitive selection process. The first programs became operational in August 2005, and the eighth and final program became operational in January 2006.
Page Last Modified: 07/15/2008 10:24:08 AM
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