Hatch Statement on Medicare Advantage Rate Announcement

Administration Circumvents Congress, Moves Forward with Harmful Cuts to Popular Seniors’ Program

WASHINGTON – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) today highlighted changes announced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding Medicare Advantage (MA) rates and issued the following statement:

“Today, the administration ignored warnings from Republicans and circumvented Congress to announce regulations that make harmful cuts to the Medicare Advantage Employer Group Waiver Plans (MA-EGWPs).  Instead of protecting retiree health coverage provided to beneficiaries who receive coverage through their employer, the administration acted unilaterally to undermine an important, market-based health program by phasing in cuts over two years. This ill-advised move will have a direct effect on our nation’s retirees and their health care choices. Despite today’s announcement, Republicans will continue to fight to protect this popular program. ”

In March, Hatch, along with other Senate Republicans, called on CMS to protect the MA program in a letter to the agency, noting concerns with proposals relating to MA-EGWPs, risk adjustment, and encounter data

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