Scott Speaks Out Against Medicare Advantage Proposals That Risk Care Disruptions, Premium Hikes for Seniors

WASHINGTON – Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senate Finance Committee Republicans in urging government health officials to take steps to prevent adverse outcomes for patients who rely on Medicare Advantage (MA) following a February 2023 proposal from the Centers for Medicareand Medicaid Services (CMS).  The proposal includes changes to the diagnostic system for some chronic conditions, including diabetes and congestive heart failure, that could cause disruptions in care and sudden premium increases.

In a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the senators highlighted concerns of various patient groups and providers that found the Advance Notice would have a major impact on premiums and seniors’ benefits.

“As the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) considers options for moving forward on proposed risk adjustment modifications and other policy shifts for MA, we encourage the agency to take steps to maintain program stability, protect beneficiaries from potential disruptions, mitigate unfavorable impacts for seniors, and provide policymakers with transparency and clarity regarding CMS’s decision-making processes,” the senators wrote.

Joining Senator Scott in signing the letter were Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

Read the full letter here. 

Background:

Senator Scott has consistently led efforts to protect and improve Medicare programs:

• In 2020, the Senate passed Senator Scott’s PAID ACT, saving millions of taxpayer dollars through targeted and commonsense updates to Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) statute.
• In 2022, Sen. Scott’s provisions for increasing Medicare beneficiary access to mental health services via telehealth was ushered into law.
• In 2022, Sen. Scott’s efforts to protect the Medicare Advantage (MA) program led CMS to announce lower than expected premiums for beneficiaries.