HMOs must submit Medicare HEDIS

Health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are now required to submit the Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS) for Medicare members to the federal government. The information will be used to assess an HMO's stability and performance in meeting its contractual obligations, including providing Medicare members with timely access to quality care. It also may be used to develop explanatory materials for Medicare beneficiaries trying to decide which health plan to join.