One of Humana’s plans to get 5% more in Medicare payouts under bonus plan that rewards proof of preventive care

The Courier-Journal reports that Louisville-based Humana Inc. will get 5 percent more in Medicare payments and the highest rating for one of its health plans under a government program that is likely improving care for the elderly, according to an analysis. The program provides bonus payments to insurers that limit “how many members are readmitted to the hospital after a discharge, increasing the amount of preventive care and getting acceptable ratings on patient satisfaction surveys, among other criteria,” according to the report.

Separate analyses by the consulting firm Avalere Health LLC and the nonprofit Commonwealth Fund conclude that the bonus system, created by the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, is working. It has since been modified by the Obama administration to allow for bigger payments to more plans.