Crapo, Cortez Masto Lead Bipartisan Call to Support Medicare Advantage

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) and Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), along with 62 of their colleagues, sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma expressing support for the Medicare Advantage program.  Nationwide, 3,148 Medicare Advantage plans will be available for individual enrollment for the 2020 plan year. 

“Different Medicare Advantage plans allow beneficiaries to select a health plan that best suits their individual budget and health needs,” said Crapo.  “Given the successes of Medicare Advantage for many in Idaho and across the nation, maintaining and strengthening it will ensure its long-term stability.” 

“Health care is one of Nevadans’ top concerns, which is why I want to make sure that seniors and individuals with disabilities have meaningful choices when it comes to managing their health,” said Cortez Masto. “Medicare Advantage provides flexibility to almost a third of Medicare recipients in Nevada, and I will keep pushing to protect and expand Nevadans’ ability to access high-quality care.” 

“Medicare Advantage plans provide seniors with health care solutions tailored to fit their individual needs,” said Risch, “Patients deserve access to diverse high-quality plans, not government consolidation into one-size-fits-all health coverage.  Medicare Advantage is a proven success that helps provide Idaho’s seniors with the quality coverage they deserve.” 

The letter reads in part, “Millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities depend on Medicare Advantage for their comprehensive health care coverage.  Enthusiasm for the program remains strong, with more than 94 percent of enrollees reporting high satisfaction with their plan.  This year, average premiums are expected to decline by 14 percent, the lowest average premium since 2007, while enrollment is projected to increase to more than 24 million.” 

To read the letter, click here. 

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