As Medicare policy mandate/regulation changes remain uncertain and medication pricing continues to rise, Medicare Advantage plans focus on moderating spend on high cost medications and improving quality metric performance. HIRC's report, Medicare Advantage Plans: Market Landscape and Strategic Imperatives, examines the current market landscape, Medicare Advantage executives' most urgent strategic imperatives and objectives, and the top market and CMS trends that could impact the segment further. The report addresses the following questions:

• What is the current landscape of the Medicare Advantage market and which plans currently account for the majority of market share?
• What are Medicare Advantage plan executives' most important strategic imperatives and which operational objectives are of highest priority?
• What do Medicare Advantage panelists identify as the most notable market trends impacting their business in 2019? Which CMS policy mandates are most concerning?
• Which therapeutic areas are most often targeted for quality metric adoption?
• Which MA plans have the highest ability to limit brand access? Which are most willing to partner?

Key Finding: Improving Medicare Star ratings is identified as the top operational objective in 2019, followed by increasing alternative payment models with organized provider groups.

Medicare Advantage Panelists Report Increasing Medicare Member Enrollment as Top Strategic Imperative in 2019. Medicare Advantage respondents were asked to consider and rank order a list of five strategic imperatives according to the level of priority and investment within the plan. Respondents rank 'increase Medicare member enrollment' as their top strategic imperative in 2019, followed by 'improve overall quality of care'.

The full report includes a complete ranking of Medicare Advantage plans' top operational objectives and examines plans' activities to achieve their priorities and objectives in 2019.

Panelists Identify Changes in CMS Policy/Mandates as Top Market Disruptor in 2019. Medicare Advantage plan decision-makers were asked to identify the top three market trends with the greatest potential to impact their business in the next 1-3 years. Panelists identify changes in CMS policy/mandates as the top market trend in 2019, followed by CMS rebate regulations/changes, and innovative new medications entering the market.

The full report provides a complete listing of market trends as well as a detailed analysis of most disruptive trends across national, regional, and BCBS plans.

The full report also features the following to support Medicare Advantage insurer account planning:

• Manufacturer ratings of top Medicare Advantage plans' ability to limit brand access and willingness to partner with pharmaceutical firms.

Research Methodology and Report Availability. In August 2019, HIRC surveyed 46 Medicare Advantage plan pharmacy and medical directors from national, regional, and BCBS plans. Online surveys and follow-up telephone interviews were used to gather information. The complete report, Medicare Advantage Plans: Market Landscape and Strategic Imperatives, is available now to HIRC’s Managed Markets subscribers at www.hirc.com.