Better Medicare Alliance Praises Record-Breaking Bipartisan Support in Congress for Medicare Advantage
Better Medicare Alliance (BMA) President and CEO Allyson Y. Schwartz, released the following statement in response to 369 members of Congress signing letters to show bipartisan, bicameral support for the Medicare Advantage program ahead of the annual 45-day rate notice for Medicare Advantage from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS):
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 369 members of Congress signing letters to show bipartisan, bicameral support for the Medicare Advantage program ahead of the annual 45-day rate notice for Medicare Advantage from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS):
“There a few issues in Washington can inspire supermajority, bipartisan support in the halls of Congress. This is the strongest show of support from members of Congress. Medicare Advantage is a program that is popular among beneficiaries – with 17 million and counting enrolled – and among our elected officials because it works.
Medicare Advantage offers quality, affordability, simplicity, enhanced benefits and innovative services. From better use of primary care to preventive care and enhanced benefits, Medicare Advantage is improving health care for beneficiaries. Medicare Advantage works for the many clinicians and caregivers across the country who value the opportunity to provide care that focuses care coordination and early intervention – and the facts show it.
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.
The Better Medicare Alliance thanks Senators Mike Crapo and Chuck Schumer, Representatives Brett Guthrie and Patrick Murphy for leading the effort to galvanize support for Medicare Advantage in Congress on behalf of the 17 million beneficiaries that depend on it.”
To view the Better Medicare Alliance letter to CMS Acting Administrator Andrew Slavitt, click here.
To view Senate letter to CMS, click here.
To view House letter to CMS, click here.
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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.