Better Medicare Alliance Statement on the Securing Fairness in Regulatory Timing Act
Washington, D.C. (December 10, 2015) – Better Medicare Alliance (BMA) President and CEO Allyson Schwartz, released the following statement in response to passage of the “Securing Fairness in Regulatory Timing Act of 2015” (H.R. 3831), legislation to extend the annual comment period for payment rates under Medicare Advantage, and introduction of the Senate companion bill (S. 2351) this week:
“Every year, the Administration makes changes to Medicare policies that can greatly impact benefits and costs for beneficiaries. Proposed changes must allow for public review, with ample opportunity for public comment and input. “More than 17 million people rely on the critical benefits that Medicare Advantage plans provide and the number is growing by the day. This legislation is intended to give stakeholders more time to provide constructive feedback on annual rulemaking to ensure the Medicare Advantage program continues to provide high quality coverage options at low cost. “The Better Medicare Alliance commends Congressman Kevin Brady, Congressman Mike Thompson, and Senator Johnny Isakson for taking leadership in calling for greater transparency and accountability for changes affecting Medicare. A longer timeframe is needed to allow for thorough analysis of proposed changes to the Medicare program and we look forward to Congress working with stakeholders to develop a workable solution.”
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Better Medicare Alliance | The Better Medicare Alliance (BMA) is the leading coalition of nurses, doctors, health plans, employers, aging service agencies, advocates, retiree organizations, and beneficiaries supporting Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage offers quality, affordability and simplicity, with enhanced benefits to more than 17 million Medicare beneficiaries across America. BMA works to ensure the sustainability and stability of Medicare Advantage through information, research, education, and united support among stakeholders to strengthen this important coverage for seniors and the disabled. For more information please visitwww.bettermedicarealliance.org.