High Country Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and 45 of her House Republican colleagues have penned a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for the protection of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans from proposed cuts for 2025. The letter urges CMS to reconsider the cuts, expressing concerns about the potential harm to seniors and the lack of transparency in the decision-making process.

The House Republican members highlighted the benefits of Medicare Advantage plans, stating, "In addition to lower costs for seniors, Medicate Advantage plans offer out-of-pocket spending limits, care coordination, and additional benefits such as dental, vision, and prescription coverage—often with no additional premiums." They emphasized that the private market competition enables these plans to provide better services at lower costs compared to traditional fee-for-service Medicare.

Expressing their dismay at the proposed cuts, the members stated, "Given this record of success, it is baffling that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a nearly 0.2% cut to the Medicare Advantage insurer reimbursement rate for 2025." They raised concerns that such cuts could lead to reduced benefits for seniors, ultimately undermining the effectiveness of the MA program.

The letter concluded with a plea for CMS to reassess the proposed cuts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the stability and quality of the Medicare Advantage program. The members stated, "It is out of concern for our constituents that we request that CMS reevaluate the proposed MA cuts for 2025. The stability and quality of the hugely successful MA program should not be put in jeopardy by these proposed cuts."

The proposed cuts by CMS have sparked concerns among lawmakers and stakeholders. With Medicare Advantage plans being a popular choice among seniors, any reductions in benefits or increases in costs could have a significant impact on beneficiaries. The letter from Representative Foxx and her colleagues underscores the importance of preserving the integrity of the MA program and ensuring that seniors continue to receive quality healthcare coverage.

In light of the ongoing discussions and advocacy efforts, stakeholders will be closely monitoring CMS's response to the concerns raised in the letter to safeguard the interests of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries.