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lth'l'f'lV. lit: 211.311! 
January 25, 2017

Patrick Conway, MD

Acting Administrator

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 445-G
Washington DC 20201

Dear Acting Administrator Conway,

We write to express our strong support for the Medicare Advantage program and the high-
quality, innovative, and affordable health care it provides to over 18 million seniors and
individuals with disabilities. As Congress and the Administration consider policies affecting
Medicare, we ask you to strengthen this vital and proven part of the program that has led the way
on value-based care.

Millions of our constituents depend on Medicare Advantage for affordable, quality, patient-
centered health care. Enrollment has increased by about 60 percent since 2010, as plans have
demonstrated their ability to deliver value to their members. Nearly one of every three Medicare
bene?ciaries has selected a Medicare Advantage plan, with 90 percent of members reporting
satisfaction with their selection.

Medicare Advantage continues to be an affordable option offering out of pocket Spending caps,
supplemental bene?ts including vision and dental, and often prescription drug coverage for no
additional premiums for those who wish to enroll. For example, in 2017, roughly 30 percent of
Medicare bene?ciaries will have access to a Medicare Advantage plan with drug bene?ts for no
additional premium. Medicare Advantage is of particular importance to bene?ciaries with
chronic conditions, as plans have the ?exibility to offer in-home health clinical visits and disease
management programs not always available in traditional Medicare.

We believe Medicare Advantage is an important part of the health care system that is working
for America?s seniors. We encourage the Administration to strongly support and build on
Medicare Advantage for today?s Medicare bene?ciaries and those who will be entering the
program in the future.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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