Medicare Advantage: A Program That Works for Seniors and Taxpayers

Tomorrow, the House Ways and Means Health and Oversight Subcommittees will hold a joint hearing, “Medicare Advantage: Past Lessons, Present Insights, Future Opportunities.”

More than 34 million seniors — over half of all Medicare beneficiaries — choose Medicare Advantage because it delivers better outcomes, lower costs, and more comprehensive coverage than traditional Fee-for-Service Medicare.

Here are the facts:

Medicare Advantage Delivers High-Value, Coordinated Care

• $3,486 in average annual savings per beneficiary compared to FFS Medicare, according to recent analysis from ATI Advisory.
• Fewer avoidable hospitalizations and higher rates of preventive care across diverse populations, per a recent study by Berkeley Research Group.
• Robust benefits not typically available in Fee-for-Service — including vision, hearing, dental, transportation, in-home support, and more.

Beneficiaries Overwhelmingly Support Medicare Advantage

• 96% satisfaction among Medicare Advantage enrollees.
• Strong support for program integrity: 69% of MA beneficiaries and 62% of GOP voters prefer the current system of oversight and documentation — including audits and medical record reviews — over proposals like the No UPCODE Act, which would restrict the use of clinical data to determine payments.

The Program is Fiscally Responsible — But Facing Headwinds

• While the Trump Administration finalized a modest increase in funding for 2026, it comes on the heels of two years of cuts under the Biden Administration that have already led to higher costs and fewer benefits for millions of seniors.
• Continued stability and affordability for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries will depend on thoughtful policymaking and long-term predictability.

Momentum for Meaningful Reform is Building

• Better Medicare Alliance has endorsed the bipartisan Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, which would streamline and digitize prior authorization — a priority shared by both policymakers and industry leaders.
• We also welcomed new insurer commitments to reduce the use of prior authorization and simplify the process for beneficiaries and providers alike.

Medicare Advantage is a proven success — driving better care, better outcomes, and better value for seniors and taxpayers. As Congress explores opportunities for reform, we urge lawmakers to build on what works by strengthening Medicare Advantage.