More Than 100 Groups Urge CMS, Trump Administration to Protect and Strengthen Medicare Advantage for Seniors

WASHINGTON — More than 100 diverse groups representing providers, health plans, community organizations and more are urging President Donald Trump and his administration to protect and strengthen Medicare Advantage for seniors, in a new letter submitted Thursday to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

The letter, led by Better Medicare Alliance and addressed to CMS Acting Administrator and Chief of Staff Stephanie Carlton, comes as millions of beneficiaries continue to face higher costs and reduced benefits after two straight years of Medicare Advantage cuts. Right now, the Trump administration is considering payment rates for Medicare Advantage and other policies proposed by President Joe Biden’s administration.

“This is a critical moment for Medicare Advantage. The program is under pressure, and millions of beneficiaries are being squeezed,” said Mary Beth Donahue, President and CEO of Better Medicare Alliance. “We’ve heard from thousands of seniors in our beneficiary network and dozens of ally groups, and their message to policymakers is simple: Protect Medicare Advantage. President Trump and his administration can immediately deliver for America’s seniors by providing stability and adequate funding for the Medicare Advantage program.”  

The groups are also calling on CMS to prioritize promoting affordable care and fighting chronic disease, while reducing administrative burden and supporting transparency and accountability.

Medicare Advantage is now the primary form of Medicare coverage in the United States, with 55% of Medicare beneficiaries choosing Medicare Advantage for high-quality, comprehensive care at a lower cost than Fee-For-Service Medicare. More than 34 million seniors and people with disabilities are currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage.

Medicare Advantage offers comprehensive care with a range of enhanced supplemental benefits often at no added cost to seniors, including transportation to medical appointments, healthy food delivery and in-home services, among others. These benefits help promote healthy living and preventative care, keeping seniors healthier and lowering medical costs.

Following two years of cuts to Medicare Advantage, seniors have faced plan disruptions such as reduced benefits and higher costs. The Medicare Advantage Advance Notice released last month by the previous administration would not be sufficient to reverse this trend.

Organizations serving Medicare Advantage beneficiaries urge CMS to ensure the program remains stable and protected. 

 American Medical Group Association 

“Medicare Advantage helps health systems and physician groups keeps millions of American seniors healthier through its support for coordinated, value-based care. There’s a reason more than half of Medicare beneficiaries choose Medicare Advantage,” said Jerry Penso, M.D., President and CEO of the American Medical Group Association. “Protecting and supporting Medicare Advantage should be a priority for every policymaker. We join Better Medicare Alliance in advocating for policies that will keep Medicare Advantage affordable and accessible for all seniors.” 

SNP Alliance 

“As more Americans are living with disabilities and chronic conditions, Medicare Advantage Special needs plans (SNPs) are meeting their complex care needs through highly tailored specialty managed care,” said Michael Cheek, President and CEO of the SNP Alliance. “These plans are literally a lifeline for vulnerable, low-income Americans. We look forward to working with the administration and the Medicare Advantage community on forward-thinking solutions to improve efficiency and ensure access to quality care for all beneficiaries.”   

Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce 

“Medicare Advantage delivers cost savings that benefit both beneficiaries and employers,” said Ana Wood, board director at the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce. “Its public-private partnership model drives efficiency and innovation, ensuring that diverse communities, including the Asian American business community in Las Vegas and the retirees we support, have access to the high-quality care they need. The Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce supports efforts to protect Medicare Advantage so that it can continue to serve as a valuable Medicare option for millions of seniors.” 

Council for Affordable Health Coverage 

“Maintaining and improving Medicare Advantage remains crucial to ensuring millions of beneficiaries continue receiving the comprehensive, coordinated care they need to stay healthy,” said Joel White, President of the Council for Affordable Health Coverage. “We encourage this administration to fight to keep Medicare dollars in Medicare and work to reverse damaging policies that have contributed to rising costs and decreasing options for care.” 

Read the full letter here. 

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Better Medicare Alliance is a community of more than 1 million grassroots beneficiaries and 200+ ally organizations working to improve health care through a strong Medicare Advantage. Learn more at www.bettermedicarealliance.org