Rural Health Panel College of Public Health – N232A Keith J. Mueller, PhD., Chair

[Data are taken from previous RUPRI brief found here.] Research is needed to fully understand the dynamics of the market for MA plans in rural places, consequences for beneficiary health (comparisons of use of essential services, quality indicators with traditional Medicare beneficiaries), access to services (analysis of networks and access to nearest providers), and contract negotiations with and. [...] The Panel recommends CMS continue its dialogue with the research community to optimize use of the data by a diverse community of researchers. [...] When considering encounter data that should be collected, the panel recommends its use to complete the picture of quality of care. [...] Cost and Utilization of Different Supplemental Benefits When considering the cost (we assume the cost to the beneficiary) and utilization of supplemental benefits, the panel recommends making all data available, inclusive of cost and use of all supplemental benefits. [...] Healthy Competition in the Market To assess competition, integration, and enrollment concentration, the Panel recommends continuing to make available specific data and information about plans by county in which they are offered and have enrollees.