Bera Applauds Step to Protect Medicare Advantage

Press Release

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. released the following statement in response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announcement about payments to Medicare Advantage for 2015. CMS estimates that the change to plan payments between 2014 and 2015 will be 0.4 percent increase instead of the 1.9 percent cut that was initially proposed.

"I'm glad the Administration listened to our calls to stop cuts to the Medicare Advantage program. As a doctor, I know firsthand how critical strengthening Medicare is for our seniors. This step will protect seniors from significant increases in costs or cuts in benefits, and ensure this critical program is there for the people who need it."

Medicare Advantage plans cover 44 percent of Medicare recipients in Sacramento County, nearly 100,000 seniors. Bera called on the Administration along with 27 of his colleagues last week to reverse course and reconsider the proposed cuts. The Department of Health and Human Services replied with a letter noting the change in policy, and acknowledged Rep. Bera's role in shaping their decision.

Source