Understanding Medicaid Claims and Encounter Data and their Use in Payment Reform
States across the country are fully engaged in delivery system and payment reform efforts to improve care and lower costs in their Medicaid programs. Data is a critical component of these efforts. This NASHP brief provides an introduction to two types of Medicaid utilization data—fee-for-service claims data and managed care encounter data—and, based on examples from leading states (Arkansas, Michigan, and Missouri), discusses their use in 1) identifying high-need, high-cost patients for care coordination; and 2) measuring, supporting, and rewarding provider performance. This brief also identifies challenges faced in collecting, analyzing, and reporting this data, as well as strategies for addressing them, based on interviews with state officials.
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
