Better Medicare Alliance Applauds Bipartisan Supermajority Support in Senate for Medicare Advantage
Better Medicare Alliance (BMA) President and CEO Allyson Y. Schwartz, released the following statement in response to a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Acting Administrator Andrew Slavitt signed by 61 members of the U.S. Senate urging against payment and harmful policy changes to the Medicare Advantage program ahead of the annual 45-day rate notice on Medicare Advantage:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Adjoa Adofo, 202-735-0037
aadofo@bettermedicarealliance.org
Washington, D.C. (February 17, 2016) – Better Medicare Alliance (BMA) President and CEO Allyson Y. Schwartz, released the following statement in response to a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Acting Administrator Andrew Slavitt signed by 61 members of the U.S. Senate urging against payment and harmful policy changes to the Medicare Advantage program ahead of the annual 45-day rate notice on Medicare Advantage:
“This is the largest bipartisan support we have seen in the Senate for the Medicare Advantage program and it is no mystery why when reports of patient satisfaction – 91% of Medicare Advantage enrollees – are higher than ever.
Medicare Advantage offers quality, affordability, simplicity, enhanced benefits and innovative services. The value-based care services in Medicare Advantage are strongly impacted by federal policies that directly affect the program’s success in improving quality and cost of care.
Ahead of the 2017 advance rate notice from CMS that could propose potentially disruptive policy changes to the Medicare Advantage, it is important that federal lawmakers voice support for the program. Medicare Advantage works not only for the 17 million seniors and people with disabilities but the many clinicians and caregivers across the country who value the opportunity to provide care that focuses care coordination and early intervention.
The letter from 61 senators from both sides of the aisle to CMS is clear – protect stability for Medicare Advantage. The senators highlight the importance of continued support for innovative, affordable care provided under Medicare Advantage.
The Better Medicare Alliance would like to particularly thank Senators Mike Crapo and Chuck Schumer for leading the effort to bring together bipartisan, supermajority support in the Senate for Medicare Advantage on behalf of the beneficiaries that depend on it.”
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Better Medicare Alliance | The Better Medicare Alliance (BMA) is the leading coalition of nurses, doctors, health plans, employers, aging service agencies, advocates, retiree organizations, and beneficiaries who support Medicare Advantage as an option under Medicare. Medicare Advantage offers quality, affordability and simplicity, with enhanced benefits to more than 17 million Medicare beneficiaries across the United States of America. BMA works to ensure the sustainability and stability of Medicare Advantage through information, research, education, and united support among stakeholders to strengthen this important coverage for seniors and people with disabilities. For more information, please visit www.bettermedicarealliance.org.