Feb 6, 2018

Congress slips in gifts to Medicare Advantage industry

Bob Herman

Congress is floating a new package to fund the government, and it includes several health care items. Photo: Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call via Getty Images

Health insurers that sell Medicare Advantage plans to seniors and disabled people stand to win some favorable policies from House Republicans' latest government funding bill.

What insurers get: Industry's main gift would be the extension of a provision, from 2018 to 2027, that prohibits the federal government from kicking out Medicare Advantage plans that have the worst quality ratings. This "delay in authority" originally appeared in the 21st Century Cures Act. The bill also would expand telehealth benefits and extend plans for people with special needs.

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