Better Medicare Alliance Statement on H.R. 3044

Allowing Medicare Advantage plans to offer services addressing critical social and economic needs for chronically patients will help them improve their health.

Washington, D.C. – Better Medicare Alliance (BMA) President and CEO Allyson Y. Schwartz released the following statement in response to the introduction of H.R. 3044, legislation designed to expand supplemental benefits to meet the needs of chronically ill Medicare Advantage enrollees:

“Disease management, wellness and fitness programs, as well as vision, dental and hearing services are valuable supplemental benefits already available to many Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. Allowing Medicare Advantage plans to offer additional services that address critical social and economic needs for those who are chronically ill will help these patients maintain and improve their health and well-being. Supports such as nutrition and meals, transportation to medical appointments, and care in the home can have a profound effect on health status and are key to improving outcomes for those with complex, chronic conditions.

“On behalf of the senior advocates, aging professionals, providers, and beneficiaries in our coalition, we commend Representatives Patrick Meehan, Terri Sewell, Diana DeGette, Kennedy and Lance for their leadership in better enabling Medicare Advantage to offer a wider range of enhanced benefits critical to the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective health care to beneficiaries with multiple chronic illnesses.”

 

Contact:

Adjoa Adofo

202-735-0037

aadofo@bettermedicarealliance.org

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