Health insurance stocks are wobbling after data released by the federal government pointed to possible steep Medicare Advantage payment cuts in 2014.

Analysts who follow the industry say those cuts could filter down to Medicare Advantage customers in the form of premium hikes, reduced benefits or fewer choices. But they also say the government will likely soften any potential reimbursement reductions between now and April, when final rates are announced.

Medicare Advantage plans are privately run versions of the government's Medicare program that covers the elderly and disabled people. They provide basic Medicare coverage topped with extras like vision or dental coverage or premiums lower than standard Medicare rates.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO, part of your ALM digital membership.

  • Critical BenefitsPRO information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.