EC-READ Project 2: The Impact of Increasing Payments to Insurers for Covering Individuals with AD/ADRD on Enrollment, Access, and Use in Medicare Advantage

In 2020, CMS re-introduced AD/ADRD to the risk-adjustment formula for Medicare Advantage plans to account for the previous systemic underpayment for AD/ADRD enrollees. This project explores whether the 2020 risk-adjustment payments expanded access to AD/ADRD services and specialists for those enrolled in Medicare Advantage. It analyzes the impact of the reform on (1) Medicare Advantage enrollment among people with AD/ADRD diagnoses, (2) the inclusion rate of AD/ADRD specialists in the plans, and (3) service utilization, including AD/ADRD-related office, outpatient, and home health visits.