Seniors and taxpayers alike have come to expect high-quality, high-value health coverage from Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. So it’s troubling that a recent column attacks the program with unjustified and misinformed criticism.
MA saves taxpayers money. Private plans deliver the basic Medicare benefit more cost effectively than traditional Medicare. MA is also more accountable. Net improper payments in MA are less than one-tenth those of traditional Medicare.
More importantly, MA enrollees have better health outcomes, and 94% of enrollees are satisfied with their coverage. MA covers more racially diverse populations than traditional Medicare, 57% of enrollees are women, and 40% of enrollees make less than $25,000 a year. MA achieves all this at a lower cost to taxpayers, while capping out-of-pocket costs.
That’s why nearly 27 million Americans choose Medicare Advantage. It is a success to celebrate, demonstrating the positive results of the free market and public programs working together.