WASHINGTON, D.C. – Matt Eyles, president and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), issued this statement today following the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) release of the 2021 Medicare Advantage and Part D proposed rate notice, and a separate proposed rule for 2021 and 2022:
“More than 23 million Americans – over one-third of those eligible for Medicare—choose a Medicare Advantage plan because it delivers better services, better access to care, and better value. For 2020, Medicare Advantage plan premiums declined to their lowest in over a decade, and 93% of Medicare Advantage enrollees are satisfied with their plan.
“This year, we saw a bipartisan group of 399 members of Congress sign letters to CMS showing their strong support for Medicare Advantage, and urging the Administration to continue to protect this vital program for America’s seniors.
“We are encouraged by proposals for additional flexibility that would allow health insurance providers to tailor benefits, design high-quality provider networks, and continue to innovate. However, we are concerned that some proposals could undermine the critical funding that protects millions of Americans’ access to the benefits and care they need, including individuals with kidney disease who are newly eligible to enroll in Medicare Advantage.
“We will continue to review the advance rate notice and proposed rule, and we look forward to sharing important feedback with CMS during the comment period.”