Charleston Leader

A bipartisan group of 57 senators, led by U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, expressed their continued support of the Medicare Advantage (MA) program in a letter to Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The senators emphasized the importance of the program in providing healthcare coverage to over 32 million seniors and individuals with disabilities.

In the letter, the senators stated, "We write to express our bipartisan support for the Medicare Advantage program and the health care coverage it provides to over 32 million seniors and individuals with disabilities." They also appreciated the ongoing commitment of the CMS to ensure that the program meets the healthcare needs of all beneficiaries while improving the quality and long-term stability of the Medicare program.

The senators requested that the CMS ensure payment and policy stability for the Medicare Advantage program as the administration considers updates for plan year 2025. They emphasized the critical choice that Medicare Advantage provides for current and future Medicare beneficiaries and the need to protect and strengthen it.

The letter also highlighted the benefits of Medicare Advantage, such as the cap on out-of-pocket expenses and extra benefits not available under traditional Medicare. The senators noted that Medicare Advantage plans offer savings on premiums and cost-sharing, with nearly 75 percent of seniors enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan with Part D prescription drug coverage paying no additional premium in 2023. They emphasized the importance of stable access to these extra benefits and out-of-pocket protections for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Furthermore, the senators emphasized that the Medicare Advantage program allows plans to focus on prevention and care coordination, resulting in better health outcomes. It supports a diverse population with varied health and socioeconomic backgrounds, including individuals in minority and rural communities. The program also addresses health-related social needs and provides access to telehealth services and in-home care.

Looking to the future, the senators expressed the belief that every American eligible for Medicare should receive clear, accurate, and timely information about the cost and quality of their coverage options. They expressed their commitment to working with the CMS to combat predatory and deceptive marketing practices, improve the accuracy of provider directories, and increase transparency of plan performance to help consumers and taxpayers assess value.

In conclusion, the senators urged the CMS to sustain and strengthen the Medicare Advantage program to ensure beneficiaries' affordability and access while improving transparency. They emphasized their commitment to the millions of constituents across the United States who choose Medicare Advantage and their desire to ensure comprehensive and affordable Medicare coverage choices for older and disabled Americans.

The full text of the letter can be found [here](link).