AHIP Marshals Surveys Against Medicare Advantage Cuts

“Seniors and their physicians agree that Medicare Advantage is a vital health coverage option,” AHIP President Karen Ignagni said. “As members of Congress engage in budget discussions, they will be hearing from their low-income and minority constituents who count on the essential benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs Medicare health plans provide.”

Ignagni noted that AHIP will be providing district-by-district data on Medicare Advantage as well as national data, and figures showing that 90% of the seniors participating in the AHIP survey reported being very or somewhere satisfied with the Medicare Advantage program.

The Medicare Advantage program permits private insurers to sell subsidized Medicare health maintenance organization, preferred provider organization and private fee-for-service plans that offer richer benefits and lower out-of-pocket expenses than basic Medicare coverage.

Medicare Advantage opponents say the program rattles Medicare’s shaky finances by encouraging patients to use too much care. Program supporters say Medicare Advantage plans provide important benefits, such as dental care and vision care, that are vital to seniors’ health.