AHIP Submits Comments on Advance Notice for Medicare Advantage and Part D
Americans in MA enjoy improved affordability, access, value, and satisfaction, resulting in strong bipartisan support for the programs
Washington, D.C. – March 4, 2022 – More than 28 million Americans – nearly half of those eligible – choose Medicare Advantage (MA) because it delivers better services, better access to care, and better value. To help keep the MA and Part D programs strong and affordable for those who rely on it, AHIP submitted its comments today to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on the Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for CY 2023. Here are the highlights.
Innovative, Patient-Centered MA Programs Improve Affordability and Quality
The letter describes how MA plans innovate to care for diverse populations, improve care coordination, offer more comprehensive benefits, deliver financial stability and cost efficiency for seniors and taxpayers, result in better health outcomes, and achieve higher satisfaction rates.
AHIP Supports Proposed Changes for Improved Stability and Health Equity
“Given the success and popularity of MA, we commend CMS for releasing an Advance Notice that should maintain the overall stability of the MA payment structure and facilitate continued growth, value, and innovation for consumers and taxpayers. We also support CMS’ interest in exploring ways that MA plans can help further improve health equity.”
AHIP Notes Several Questions and Concerns About Addressing COVID-19 Impacts
Questions and concerns include the impacts of 2020 data and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the 2023 payment year, and ongoing issues related to Star Ratings. Addressing these issues is important to ensure program stability and access to the added benefits that the Medicare Advantage program offers.
Concerns With Certain Benchmark Calculation Methodologies Remain
AHIP reiterates its longstanding concerns with several methodological approaches that CMS uses in calculating MA benchmarks. These approaches mean fewer supplemental benefits for enrollees. We also highlight that calculations of costs for patients with end stage renal disease remain inadequate to cover the expected costs for their care.
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.