-- Jackie Green, Pharm, PQA Chief Operating Officer 

CMS released the 2022 Star Ratings for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans on October 8 to help people with Medicare compare plans ahead of Medicare Open Enrollment, which kicked off on October 15. Star Ratings reflect the experiences of people enrolled in Part D plans and help people make health care decisions that are best for them. Attend PQA's November 18 members-only Quality Forum for insights on this year's ratings.  

Leading with Pharmacist-Provided Immunization Services
Pharmacies have been providing immunizations for more than 20 years, though public recognition of this role has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. As pharmacies prepare for COVID-19 booster shots and flu vaccinations, the panelists in this Pharmacy Times discussion, including Albertsons and NCPA, are incredibly proud of the profession. Collaborating with other health care professionals will be essential to managing the workload and ensuring holistic patient care. 

Making Value-Based Care a Reality 
AMGA CEO and PQA Board chair Jerry Penso shares insights on driving meaningful disruption in health care and the need for consistency and predictability in value-based care delivery. Among the essentials for value-based care: "There needs to be comprehensive data exchange between the parties so that all aspects of the care and cost can be managed. The most important ingredient to success, however, is trust." 

Participate in PQA's Measure Development Work 
PQA invites comments on three measures that are being considered for endorsement, two measures for retirement, and four measure concepts for potential future development. PQA is providing a 20-business day public comment period and is accepting comments through November 19. See our October 25 email to PQA members with details and links to measure information and the comment form.

Your Next Engagement Opportunities

Network, Learn and Collaborate with PQA

• The 2021 PQA Leadership Summit, November 10-11 at the Pentagon City Ritz Carlton in Arlington, Va. The summit is a hands-on, invitation-only meeting, where our multi-stakeholder members will shape PQA’s plan to improve medication use quality through 2025. See the agenda and our proposed four-year strategic goals. PQA member Key Contacts have received registration information. Questions? Email us.

• The next PQA Quality Forum Webinar is November 18. Join us from 1-2 pm ET for a members only presentation by Pharmacy Quality Solutions on the 2022 Medicare Part D Star Ratings Program and the trends that impact medication related quality measures. Our speaker is PQS Chief Operating Officer Nancy Chung. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. 

• Register for the PQA All-Member Webinar, December 2, 1-2:30 pm ET. PQA staff will discuss the measures being considered for endorsement and retirement and will address your questions. This webinar precedes the December 2-17 member voting period on those measures. A registration link is also available in the Member Resources Library.