WASHINGTON, May 10 /PRNewswire/ -- America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) President and CEO Karen Ignagni made the following statement regarding today’s announcement by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the 2005 payment rates under the Medicare Advantage program:
“In 2004, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans used added funding made available under the Medicare Modernization Act to provide enhanced benefits, reduce out- of-pocket costs or improve provider networks for beneficiaries who have chosen to receive their benefits through private health plans. The 6.6% increase for most counties in 2005 that was announced today by CMS reflects the overall growth in Medicare program costs. We believe that this increase will further strengthen the MA program and allow MA plans to offer more choices and enhanced coverage for Medicare beneficiaries, including many who do not currently have access to private sector options in Medicare.
“The rates announced today, in combination with other changes enacted in the Medicare Modernization Act, such as the drug discount card program, will establish a solid foundation for the prescription drug program that will be available to beneficiaries in 2006.
“AHIP member plans are proud to be a part of a public-private partnership with Medicare amid mounting evidence that private-sector Medicare plans are the right choice for millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities. The facts show that beneficiaries enrolled in MA plans enjoy more benefits, lower costs, and better health outcomes than their counterparts in the fee- for-service program -- a new report released by CMS today shows that beneficiaries in MA plans, on average, spend 34% less in out-of-pocket costs when compared to beneficiaries in fee-for-service Medicare.”
America’s Health Insurance Plans -- Providing Health Benefits to More Than 200 Million Americans.
America’s Health Insurance Plans
CONTACT: Mohit M. Ghose of America’s Health Insurance Plans,+1-202-778-8494, or mghose@ahip.net
Web site: http://www.ahip.net/
