Medical Economics November 1, 2024
Problems in Medicare Advantage (MA) are getting worse, not better, despite the best efforts of federal regulators, according to three national lawmakers.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), chair of the Senate Finance Committee, joined with Rep. Richard E. Neal (D-Massachusetts), ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey), ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, on a joint letter to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Medicare leaders including CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure have enacted rules to improve Medicare Advantage, the legislators said. Those include clarifying when prior authorizations can be used and strengthening market regulations. There is improved coverage for behavioral health services and more culturally competent care,...