Enyart Fights to Keep Medicare Advantage, Succeeds

Press Release

After pledging to fight against cuts to Medicare Advantage, U.S. Congressman Bill Enyart (IL-12) announced the administration's proposal was reversed this week.

Strong pushback from Enyart and other members of Congress reversed the proposed payment cuts to private health plans in Medicare Advantage. "This is a victory for those that need it most. The Southern Illinoisans that rely upon Medicare Advantage for their everyday healthcare needs," said Enyart, "We need to balance the budget, but it cannot be on the backs of our seniors." Most recently, Enyart penned a letter to Kathleen Sebelius, Health and Human Services Secretary, urging the administration to stop and reverse proposed cuts to the program.

On Monday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said government payments to insurers in the Medicare Advantage program will increase .4 percent on average in 2015. This is in stark contrast to the 1.9 percent cut to private plans proposed in February. "Last week, I stood on the House floor and talked about Carolyn Morgan from DuQuoin. I talked about how much she needed this program for her health. I'm proud to say today that we can continue helping Carolyn and the thousands more like her in this district," said Enyart.

The 12th District of Illinois includes 122,380 constituents covered by Medicare. Over 28,000 individuals utilize Medicare Advantage as well. The reversal announced this week will keep cuts out of the Medicare program through 2015.

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