Podcast Center
Video Center
Webcasts
Resource Center
Events
February 05, 2004 at 07:00 PM
AAHP-HIAA Says Its Members Will Expand Medicare Benefits
By
Washington
Recently enacted Medicare reform legislation will produce better benefits, lower premiums and expanded choices for beneficiaries participating in the Medicare Advantage program, says the president of AAHP-HIAA.
A survey by AAHP-HIAA found that although the new Medicare Advantage funding rates were released only 2 weeks ago, AAHP-HIAA members are planning to provide more affordable and enhanced coverage, says Karen Ignagni.
Speaking at a press briefing, Ignagni said health plans representing 93% of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries expect to use the new funding to lower monthly premiums.
Plans representing 60% of beneficiaries say they will enhance or increase benefits, including prescription drug coverage, preventive screenings and disease management programs, according to Ignagni.
Plans representing 80% of beneficiaries, she continues, will reduce co-pays and deductibles.
“This lays a solid foundation for a private sector option under Medicare,” Ignagni says.
The legislation, she says, is producing tangible results. While 6 years of underfunding cannot be changed overnight, Ignagni says, Congress will see the benefits of the legislation.
