CMS can drop poor Medicare Advantage plans; Partners joins Blue Cross Blue Shield's global payment model;

> The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can terminate health insurers' participation in the Medicare Advantage program if they fail to achieve at least a three-star rating for three years. Rule (.pdf)

> Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts reached a deal with Partners Healthcare that will reduce payments by $240 million over three years. The renegotiated contract starts Jan. 1 and enters Partners into Blue Cross's global payment model, requiring the health system to meet or exceed quality metrics for its patients, reports FierceHealthcare. Article

> Insurers in California now must cover childbirth and other maternity services after Gov. Jerry Brown signed two bills into law, reports the Sacramento Bee. Article

And Finally... Drop the "tough guy" image--crying is good for you. Article