Barrow, Cassidy Successful in Preventing Medicare Advantage Cuts

Statement

On Monday, April 1, 2013, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the 2014 Rate Announcement for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Part D programs. The new MA rates do not include deep cuts that had been proposed for the Medicare Advantage program. Last month, U.S. Congressmen John Barrow (D-GA), Bill Cassidy (R-GA), and 96 members of the House sent a letter to CMS urging the agency to reconsider the proposed cuts that would harm seniors who rely on Medicare Advantage.

"Folks who depend on Medicare Advantage are already at risk of losing a significant amount of their benefits," said Congressman Barrow. "We can't continue to cut away at health care for seniors. Working together, we forged a bipartisan coalition to urge CMS to prevent these cuts for seniors in Georgia and across the country, and I'm glad they've taken our advice."

Congressman Cassidy said, "The combined effects of Obamacare along with the proposed payment cuts would have translated into even deeper benefit reductions and premium increases for Medicare Advantage enrollees. I am relieved that CMS decided to act in the best interest of the seniors I represent on MA plans."

Source