PORTLAND, Ore. – Cambia Health Solutions commends the initiative shown today by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the United States Department of Health and Human Services through the proposal of a new rule to provide reimbursement of advance care planning discussions with Medicare patients. This reform measure would allow Medicare patients to choose care preferences – and have those choices honored – in the instance of serious illness. By allowing separate payments for these discussions, CMS recognizes the importance of reviewing and documenting personal preferences and goals of care in advance of any serious illness.
Cambia, a national health solutions leader headquartered in Portland, Oregon, works to transform health care into a more person-focused and affordable system. Cambia’s regional health plans were among the first in the nation to have offered reimbursement for goals-of-care conversations, and in 2014 launched one of the industry’s most comprehensive approaches to palliative care, including new health benefits for its members and employees. The Cambia Health Foundation has invested nearly $25 million in programs and initiatives that advance access, quality and awareness of palliative care to ensure that a patient’s wishes are always respected.
“This proposed rule will ensure individuals and their loved ones have the tools to navigate life-limiting illnesses, and ensure that the health care consumers receive in fact matches their values and wishes,” said Dr. Csaba Mera, Cambia’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer. “Cambia thanks Secretary Burwell for her leadership in advancing this important health issue and prioritizing common sense when it comes to care.” In addition, Cambia commends Congressman Earl Blumenauer for his strong leadership when it comes to advance care planning. The Congressman has been a steady champion of this reform on behalf of Medicare patients through the Personalize Your Care Act, for which Cambia has demonstrated strong support.
About Cambia Health Solutions
Cambia Health Solutions, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit total health solutions company dedicated to transforming healthcare by creating a person-focused and economically sustainable system. Cambia’s growing family of companies range from software and mobile applications, healthcare marketplaces, non-traditional healthcare delivery models, health insurance, life insurance, pharmacy benefit management, wellness, and overall consumer engagement. To learn more, visit cambiahealth.com or contact Martha Doyle, Community Engagement Specialist for Cambia Health Solutions.
