Integrating peer support into Medicare-funded care faces implementation barriers

A new study found that 3% of people with traditional Medicare switch to Medicare Advantage each year, but many switch back after a short period. The researchers discovered that people who switched from MA to traditional Medicare were more likely to choose higher-rated plans or those with broader networks.

Despite an increase in federally funded residency slots, a new study finds that physician shortages persist, particularly in primary care and rural communities. The expansion of Medicare-funded residency positions was intended to support shortage specialties and underserved areas, but most positions were allocated to non-rural areas.

A recent study by Brown University researchers found that Medicare's 'three-day rule' keeps patients in hospitals longer than needed without improving health outcomes or lowering Medicare costs. The reinstatement of the rule resulted in at least 2,000 additional hospital days.

A University of Arizona Health Sciences study found that peer support intervention improved CPAP adherence and patient satisfaction among 263 sleep apnea patients. The study showed that participants who received peer support used the CPAP machine correctly and consistently, averaging 4.5 hours of use per night, compared to those withou...

A new study by George Mason University found that Medicare Advantage (MA) plans do not equally improve the quality of care across all racial and ethnic groups. The study measured three measures of adverse health events and found smaller gaps in quality of care for Hispanic people versus non-Hispanic White people in MA.

A new study found that Medicare Advantage patients with colorectal cancer are six percentage points less likely to receive a cancer drug compared to those on Traditional Medicare. For non-small cell lung cancer, the pattern was not as clear due to limited low-cost treatment options.