Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Government Unveils Proposed Raise In Its Payments To Medicare Advantage Plans
Reuters: U.S. Proposes 0.25 Percent Hike In Medicare Advantage Payments
The U.S. government on Wednesday proposed an increase of 0.25 percent on average in payments to health insurers who offer Medicare Advantage insurance, which provides health benefits to more than 18 million elderly or disabled people. Enrollment in these plans grew by about 7 percent last year to account for about one-third of Medicare members, making it an important growth business for private insurers who are facing changes in their business as Republicans seek to repeal and replace Obamacare. (Humer, 2/1)
The Wall Street Journal: Medicare Rates To See ‘Moderate’ Increase
The agency said the rates represented “moderate growth.” In a statement, the acting CMS Administrator, Patrick Conway, said the proposal “will continue to keep Medicare Advantage strong and stable and provide high quality, affordable care to seniors and people living with disabilities.” The increase appeared roughly in line with the expectations of analysts, who had been anticipating a small boost in the rates. (Wilde Mathews, 2/1)
And in a hearing on Capitol Hill —
CQ Roll Call: Senate Budget Debates Curbs On Entitlement Programs
Senate Budget Committee members squared off Wednesday on the best ways to increase government revenue and reduce the deficit and the debt, amid a bleak outlook from the Congressional Budget Office. Chairman Michael B. Enzi and ranking member Bernie Sanders engaged in a terse exchange at the outset of the hearing, debating whether lawmakers should overhaul Social Security and Medicare in an effort to balance the budget. (Shutt, 2/1)
