Better Medicare Alliance

BMA recently polled likely voters aged 60 and older, and protecting Medicare is their top concern this election year. Today that means Medicare Advantage, which is now the Medicare program of choice for more than half of beneficiaries. 

Healthcare Dive: “Insurers will offer fewer MA plans nationally in 2025, and on average have raised the out-of-pocket burden on seniors while winnowing the supplemental benefits so popular in the privatized Medicare program, according to an analysis of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data performed by Avalere on behalf of the Better Medicare Alliance.”     Read more about Better Medicare Alliance’s report on the 2025 plan landscape in Healthcare Dive: https://lnkd.in/eXtnKw4q

🧰 New Tool: Better Medicare Alliance just launched an extensive new database that makes it easier than ever for Medicare Advantage stakeholders to search and explore key articles and evidence related to core Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI). This interactive tool will help to identify gaps in literature and broaden the base of evidence on the impact of non-medical interventions on overall health and wellbeing. Thank you to ATI Advisory for your valuable contributions to this tool. Check it out 👉 ssbcidatabase.org.

For seniors, every dollar counts — especially when it comes to the high cost of health care. Medicare Advantage is the affordable health care choice for nearly 34 million seniors and people with disabilities, including more people of color and low-income Americans than Fee-For-Service Medicare. 

Associated Press: “More than a million people will probably have to find new coverage as major insurers cut costs and pull back from markets for Medicare Advantage plans.” Read more about how recent policy changes are impacting Medicare Advantage beneficiaries during enrollment: https://lnkd.in/e9PczTbP

Millions of seniors across the country are set to face significant disruptions to their Medicare Advantage plans as the 2025 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period begins, according to a new analysis by Better Medicare Alliance.     While premiums for the average Medicare Advantage enrollee will remain stable next year, the findings show a reduction in plan choices, higher out-of-pocket costs, and fewer supplemental benefits for seniors. These changes are a direct result of recent federal policy decisions impacting the Medicare Advantage program, including insufficient funding, coding changes, and changes in the Inflation Reduction Act; as well as pressures from higher utilization rates and growing medical costs.  Read the full analysis: https://lnkd.in/ep_s8i3N

Elizabeth says it's nice that she finally gets help. Medicare Advantage plans include supplemental benefits such as food assistance and transportation, empowering seniors to take control of their whole health. Due to recent policy changes, seniors could see changes to their Medicare Advantage plans for next year, with fewer benefits and fewer plan choices during Medicare open enrollment. Nearly 34 million seniors like Elizabeth rely on Medicare Advantage for affordable health care. Washington needs to stand up for seniors and protect Medicare Advantage.

📰 Important read from CNN → "The seniors and those guiding them in this process – the caregivers, family, and aging organizations – really have to look at the full picture," said Mary Beth Donahue, President and CEO, Better Medicare Alliance. As we approach Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period for 2025, it's crucial for beneficiaries to understand the changes ahead. From fewer plan options to evolving benefits, informed choices are key to finding the best coverage. 🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/3NsDduX #MedicareAdvantage #OpenEnrollment #Medicare2025 #HealthcareChoices #Caregivers #AgingWell #SeniorCare

With Medicare enrollment starting today, seniors will be able to review their health coverage and choose the plan that works best for them. For many, Medicare Advantage will still be the best option, with better care at a lower cost than Fee-For-Service Medicare. Medicare Advantage also provides important benefits like vision, dental, and hearing coverage all in one plan.    However, many seniors will face unexpected changes to their plans. Around 2 million Medicare Advantage beneficiaries will find their 2024 plan is no longer available and need to switch plans for next year — substantially more than in years past.     There is a silver lining: premiums for the average Medicare Advantage enrollee will remain stable next year, with an average premium of $17 in 2025 compared to $18.23 in 2024.    However, many beneficiaries will see higher costs and fewer benefits, with plans scaling back on benefits like transportation, meal deliveries, and in-home support, according to an analysis by Avalere on behalf of Better Medicare Alliance.    Additionally, maximum out-of-pocket costs will rise by an average of $400 nationally.     While some regions will feel these effects more acutely than others, the national trend is clear.    These changes are the result of recent policy decisions in Washington, including insufficient Medicare Advantage payment rates, changes to how the government subsidizes care for different illnesses, and provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act.     These pressures are creating real consequences for seniors who rely on Medicare Advantage for their health care.    This doesn’t need to be the new normal, however. Policymakers in Washington can protect seniors by standing up for Medicare Advantage and ensuring program stability moving forward.   

Thank you to the policymakers, industry leaders, health care stakeholders, and BMA allies who attended our 2024 Medicare Advantage Leadership and Policy Forum. We delved into the latest innovations in Medicare Advantage, engaged in thought-provoking panels, and forged valuable partnerships. Insightful discussions like these are crucial as we strive to innovate and advance health care for the nearly 34 million Americans who choose Medicare Advantage. #BMAForum24