DHHS/OS/ASMB/OGAM/Division of Contract Operations, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 443H, Humphrey Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20201

B -- PERFORM A STUDY OF MANAGED DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES WITH DISABILITIES AND CHRONIC ILLNESSES. SOL RFP-26-96-HHS-OS POC Gaynel M. Abadie (202) 690-7506 The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) in the Department of Health and Human Services is undertaking a major study of the experience of elderly Medicare beneficiaries with chronic illnesses and disabilities in selected managed delivery systems (MDS). For the purpose of this study, MDS are broadly defined as health care systems that integrate the financing and/or delivery of primary, acute, and (much less frequently) long-term care of persons for the purpose of controlling costs and improving access to and coordination of services across a continuum of providers. The term MDS therefore encompasses a wide range of current managed care systems such as traditional HMOs, PPOs, vertically integrated health systems, and other hybrids (e.g., HMOs and PPOs with point-of-service options)that include providers that may or may not be at financial at include providers trisk for the health care they deliver. Health care systems that have a fee-for-service component but nonetheless manage the care of its enrollees through case management would also be included under this definition. While the list of organizations that are MDS is extensive, it is necessary for the definition to be sufficiently broad to capture the dynamic changes that are occurring in the U.S. health care industry. The major goals of this study are to: 1) foster a better understanding among health plan administrators, health care providers and policy makers of the unique characteristics and health/long term care needs of elderly persons with disabilities and chronic illnesses; and 2) assess how well selected MDS actually perform in meeting the needs of this population and the factors which promote or impede success. The period of performance for the resulting contract will be two years. The date of issue for this RFP will be approximately June 10, 1996. Requests for this RFP must be made in writing to the address and contact point listed above. (0136)

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