Why CMS is Focusing on Post Acute Care
Healthcare is increasingly transitioning to value based payment models in an effort to control spending and improve quality. In 2014, the amount spent on healthcare in the U.S. per individual reached $9,523—more than twice the average of all other developed countries—and is projected to reach $14,103 by 2021 if unchecked. Total healthcare spending represents almost 18% of GDP, and is expected to grow to 20% in the next five years. Furthermore, Medicare alone represented 20% of National Healthcare Expenditures
in 2013, and is expected to increase significantly after 2015 due to growing utilization of medications and services by an aging population.