BETTER MEDICARE ALLIANCE STATEMENT ON 2019 ADVANCE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE RATE NOTICE
BMA Encouraged By CMS Proposal to Enable Expansion of Supplemental Benefits for Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries
Washington, D.C. – Better Medicare Alliance (BMA) President and CEO Allyson Y. Schwartz released the following statement in response to the CY2019 Medicare Advantage Advance Notice released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) today:
“More than 20 years into the program’s existence, Medicare Advantage continues to be the success story in American health care. A private-public partnership, Medicare Advantage is growing by the day as more older adults become aware of the affordable, high-quality option under Medicare. The proposed rate notice is consistent with a positive environment that enables stability and growth in Medicare Advantage.
“While we are continuing to review the proposed policy changes in the CY 2019 Advance Notice, we are encouraged by efforts to allow for the expansion of supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage to meet the need of high cost, high need beneficiaries. One of the hallmarks of Medicare Advantage is the ability to provide important added benefits not available under Traditional Medicare.
“We have also advocated for Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs) and are encouraged to see CMS recognize the value of targeted care through enhanced disease management programs.
“In the days ahead, we will carefully analyze today’s advance rate notice and call letter. We will particularly examine details around the proposed payment changes for Medicare Advantage retiree plans otherwise known as Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWPs) and respond to the Administrations’ request for feedback on alternative approaches.
“We will also issue a summary analysis and share perspectives from our coalition of over 100 ally organizations who believe that Medicare Advantage is modernizing Medicare.”
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Contact:
Adjoa Adofo
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