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Over 340 House Members Stand Together to Strengthen and Improve Medicare Advantage

Press Release

Published Jan 28, 2022 • by AHIP

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (January 28, 2022) – More than 28 million Americans choose Medicare Advantage (MA) because it delivers lower costs, more choices, and high-quality health care. In a bipartisan show of support, 346 Members of the House of Representatives, led by Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), and Mike Kelly (R-PA), signed a letter that was delivered today to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), urging the agency to keep MA strong and stable so that it can continue to provide affordable, high-quality, patient-centered coverage.

“Medicare Advantage has strong bipartisan support because it is a prime example of the government and free market working together to deliver lower costs, more choices, and better outcomes for millions of Americans,” said Matt Eyles, AHIP President and CEO. “We applaud Congress for standing with seniors and people with disabilities who depend on this vital program and look forward to working with both Congress and the Administration to keep MA strong, stable, and adequately funded now and in the future.”

The letter highlights the many benefits and services available to MA enrollees.

“Medicare Advantage provides older adults affordable, high-quality services, including care coordination, disease management programs, out-of-pocket spending limits, access to community-based programs, additional supplemental benefits such as vision and dental coverage, and often prescription drug coverage for no additional premium.”

The letter also notes the populations served by Medicare Advantage.

“Medicare Advantage also supports an increasingly diverse population with varied health and socioeconomic needs. Forty percent of Medicare Advantage enrollees make less than $25,000 per year. For 2022, the average monthly Medicare Advantage premiums will reach historic lows, even while the availability of supplemental benefits continues to increase. Racial and ethnic minorities eligible for Medicare also increasingly choose Medicare Advantage, with the greatest growth among Black and Hispanic enrollees.”

Finally, the letter notes the important role MA plays in keeping older Americans and people with disabilities healthy during the pandemic.

“Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, Medicare Advantage serves some of the most at-risk and disproportionately affected populations. During the pandemic, Medicare Advantage enrollees experienced a 19% lower rate of hospitalization compared to original Medicare beneficiaries.”

Please click here to view and download the letter.

About AHIP

AHIP is the national association whose members provide health care coverage, services, and solutions to hundreds of millions of Americans every day. We are committed to market-based solutions and public-private partnerships that make health care better and coverage more affordable and accessible for everyone. Visit www.ahip.org to learn how working together, we are Guiding Greater Health.