#United States #Medicare #Edison #Lumeris #Hackensack Meridian Health

Hackensack Meridian Health Partners with Lumeris for Traditional Medicare

Introduction

In a significant advancement for healthcare in New Jersey, Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) has expanded its collaborative efforts with Lumeris, a pioneer in healthcare technology, to include Traditional Medicare under the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP). This strategic partnership aims to enhance care delivery for seniors and improve health outcomes through a value-based care model.

The Value-Based Partnering Strategy

The alliance builds on their existing value-based programs, which have already shown efficacy in managing Commercial and Medicare Advantage populations. By integrating Traditional Medicare into this framework, HMH and Lumeris aim to create a more cohesive healthcare experience that focuses on coordinated care and positive health outcomes for beneficiaries.

HMH, recognized as New Jersey's largest integrated health network, will leverage its Clinically Integrated Network (CIN) to implement these enhancements effectively. This network consists of a collaborative group of primary care providers working towards shared performance goals, incentivizing high-quality care, and streamlining healthcare processes.

Improved Care Coordination

Patrick Young, President of Population Health at Hackensack Meridian Health, emphasized the network's commitment to delivering seamless care to seniors. With this expansion, physicians will have access to robust analytics and tools already in use, which are designed to improve the patient experience during care interactions. The goal is to ensure that every Medicare beneficiary receives timely, efficient, and high-quality care that keeps them healthy and reduces hospital admissions.

The partnership strives to enhance both quality of care and patient satisfaction by restructuring financial accountability across the network. In doing so, it aims to foster a healthcare environment conducive to better outcomes and improved cost-effectiveness by reducing unnecessary administrative workloads.

Track Record of Success

The Hackensack Meridian Health ACO has already achieved remarkable results, having generated $40 million in savings for Medicare in 2024 while maintaining an impressive quality score of 87.27% from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These initiatives not only reflect a commitment to financial stewardship but also a robust dedication to maintaining the health and wellness of nearly 46,200 patients.

Furthermore, HMH's previous accountable care agreements yielded significant savings of over $247 million from 2012 to 2021, underscoring the effective integration of value-based healthcare practices within the network. The savings generated will be reinvested into initiatives that prioritize patient care and enhance health outcomes in the region.

The Role of Technology

To further refine the care process, Lumeris is deploying its AI-driven Tom™ platform, which is instrumental in managing workflows within clinical settings. This innovative solution is crafted to offer insightful, actionable recommendations directly within provider operations, enabling them to focus on preventive care.

The collaboration also aims to utilize data analytics to track performance metrics closely and to implement improvement strategies aligned with patient needs. Ultimately, this integration of technology within healthcare serves to ensure that providers receive the necessary support to improve patient care while focusing on reducing unnecessary healthcare system burdens.

Conclusion

Hackensack Meridian Health and Lumeris are setting a new precedent for value-based care delivery not only in New Jersey but potentially throughout the nation. By expanding their partnership to encompass Traditional Medicare, they illustrate a powerful commitment to transforming healthcare for seniors. This initiative stands poised to enhance the quality of care, streamline operational processes, and, importantly, improve health outcomes for one of the most vulnerable populations in our society.