Senator urges CMS to approve its proposed Medicare Advantage policy changes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in mid-December proposed a rule for Medicare Advantage policy changes for 2024, including steps to curb deceptive marketing practices by insurance agents and brokers. Public comments on the proposed rule closed on Monday.

However, earlier this week, Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., urged approval of the rule in a letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure:

“The Medicare Advantage program has provided Oregonians and Medicare beneficiaries around the country with value by offering plans that coordinate care and invest in the long-term health of their enrollees,” Wyden wrote. “However, it has become clear that not all enrollees are seeing that value or being put first. I strongly support the proposed rule as it seeks to restore important protections against deceptive and fraudulent marketing tactics; expands access to non-physician behavioral health providers; and promotes health equity for historically underserved communities.”