Health insurers are gearing up to oppose expected reimbursement cuts for Medicare Advantage in calendar year 2015, according to a report from The Hill.
CMS is expected to announce the 2015 Medicare Advantage pay rates Feb. 21, according to the report. America's Health Insurance Plans has estimated CMS will reduce reimbursement rates by 6 percent.
"Seniors cannot afford another round of rate cuts to their Medicare Advantage coverage," AHIP President and CEO Karen Ignagni said in a press release. "CMS should protect seniors in the program by maintaining current payment levels next year."
AHIP has said Medicare Advantage enrollees experienced benefit cuts of up to $70 per month as well as cost increases due to last year's 6 percent cut. According to AHIP, approximately 28 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, plans, which are private health insurance policies offered as an alternative to traditional Medicare.
In order to contain costs, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act cuts Medicare Advantage by $200 billion during a 10-year period, according to The Hill. Although Republicans and health insurers have objected to the cuts, many industry experts say the reimbursement reductions haven't had a negative impact so far, according to the report.
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