Melinda B. Buntin, PhD

To mark the 30th anniversary of The American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC), each issue in 2025 includes a special feature: reflections from a thought leader on what has changed—and what has not—over the past 3 decades and what’s next for managed care. The June issue features a conversation with Melinda B. Buntin, PhD, a health economist and a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Carey Business School.

When comparing risk-adjustment approaches based on Medicaid status of Medicare beneficiaries, this analysis found that predicted spending levels varied depending on states’ Medicaid eligibility criteria.

Using new data, the authors found that consumers in the Medicare Advantage market are fairly insensitive to premiums, but respond more strongly to reduced medical cost sharing.

Broad enthusiasm exists among hospitals for participation in Meaningful Use. However, many hospitals have a long road ahead to implement the advanced systems required for the program.