It is not often that policymakers have the opportunity to improve healthcare coverage for seniors, while reducing costs at the same time – but potential reforms to Medicare Advantage may allow exactly this.
On September 1st, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services moved to allow Medicare Advantage plans greater flexibility to offer supplemental benefits and reduce cost-sharing for beneficiaries.[1] This shift promises to enhance the cost-effectiveness and quality of healthcare received by those with chronic conditions, but the administration’s hands are bound by statute from making more than a tentative step in this direction. By legislating in support of these efforts, Congress may have a rare opportunity to enhance the services available to Medicare enrollees, while generating savings for millions of senior and disabled citizens.