In Case You Missed It: Congressional Lawmakers Highlight Value of Medicare Advantage for Seniors
At this week’s House Ways and Means Health and Oversight Subcommittees hearing, Medicare Advantage: Past Lessons, Present Insights, Future Opportunities, members of Congress made clear that Medicare Advantage is not only popular among seniors — it’s delivering with better health outcomes and more affordable coverage.
Here’s what lawmakers had to say about the value, impact, and future of Medicare Advantage:
Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Chairman:
“Medicare Advantage is a very popular health insurance program option that plays a vital role in providing high-quality, affordable care to millions of seniors… MA beneficiaries spend less on care and have better health outcomes than those in traditional Medicare.”
“I’m very excited about the supplemental benefits MA provides to improve health and wellness… 95% of MA beneficiaries are satisfied with the care they receive.”
Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO), Ways and Means Committee Chairman:
“When 54% of Medicare beneficiaries are choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, there is clearly a strong and growing interest by seniors to have access to MA and the benefits that come with it.”
Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL), Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member:
“It is clear, given the number of beneficiaries choosing Medicare Advantage plans, the program is here to stay — and when done accurately will give direct benefits.”
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA):
“I’m a strong believer in Medicare Advantage. I think it’s a very, very important program.”
Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN):
“Medicare Advantage has been a strong success for America’s seniors as we’ve seen substantial growth in the program over the last two decades. …MA enrollees tend to have better outcomes when compared to their peers on traditional Medicare. Most notably, they have 70% fewer hospital readmissions and 25% fewer inpatient stays.”
Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI):
“Sixty-four percent of my constituency is enrolled in Medicare Advantage.”
Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV):
“Patients in my district have gravitated towards MA plans because of their affordability and supplemental benefits that they provide.”
Better Medicare Alliance looks forward to continuing work with policymakers to strengthen Medicare Advantage for more than 34 million beneficiaries.
Read BMA’s statement in connection with the hearing here.
Read BMA’s full statement for the record here.