Better Medicare Alliance Statement on H.R. 3168
More than 2.3 million beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs). SNP beneficiaries are often low-income, dually-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
Washington, D.C. – Better Medicare Alliance (BMA) President and CEO Allyson Y. Schwartz released the following statement in response to the House Ways and Means Committee passage of H.R. 3168, legislation designed to provide continued access to specialized Medicare Advantage plans:
“This legislation received bipartisan support today because Medicare Advantage is increasingly recognized as the bright spot in care for patients with complex conditions. This is particularly important because it comes at a time when more than ever there is understanding of the need for robust, tailored care for the frail, disabled and chronically ill.
“More than 2.3 million beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs) nationwide. SNP beneficiaries are often low-income, dually-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid or in need of support to manage crippling multiple chronic conditions. While there are concerns about increased cost sharing for our most vulnerable in today’s health system, SNPs offer beneficiaries reduced cost sharing, individualized care plans, and enhanced benefits intrinsic to improving health outcomes for complex patients. Over the past decade SNPs have become critical coverage options for a growing high cost, high need population who need access to specialized care management tools as well as enhanced home and community-based services.”
“We commend the House Ways and Means Committee as well as the leadership of Congressmen Pat Tiberi and Sandy Levin for working in a bipartisan manner with stakeholders in the health community to enable further investment in cost-efficient models of care that lead to improved health outcomes.
“Better Medicare Alliance looks forward to working with all committees of jurisdiction to establish long-term stability with permanent authorization of Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs), Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), and Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C- SNPs).
“As the private-public, managed care option under Medicare, Medicare Advantage is uniquely positioned to advance innovative, value-driven and affordable care for high cost, high need beneficiaries. H.R. 3168 is a crucial step towards expanding the quality of care received by those most in need.”
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Better Medicare Alliance
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