Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios
Medicare Advantage lobbyists and advocates are trying to make inroads with the new CMS leadership ahead of key policy decisions affecting the privately run plans.
Why it matters: Mehmet Oz, the physician-turned-TV-personality in line to lead CMS, is a big proponent of Medicare Advantage.
- But concern over MA's cost from fiscal conservatives, the Department of Government Efficiency's heavy cuts to CMS staff and other headwinds mean that a friendly environment for the Medicare plans isn't guaranteed.
Where it stands: The Better Medicare Alliance led more than 100 other organizations, including health plans, community groups and some health providers, in sending a letter Thursday to acting CMS administrator Stephanie Carlton advocating for the MA program.
- The letter, shared first with Axios, says BMA wants to work with the Trump administration on promoting health affordability, fighting chronic disease, reducing administrative burden and supporting program transparency.
Zoom in: MA boosters also want more money.
- The Biden administration in its final days last month proposed a more than $21 billion pay increase for MA plans.
- BMA's letter says that the proposed increase "falls short of rising medical costs." A larger increase is needed to keep the program stable, BMA wrote.
- CMS will finalize next year's payment rates and policy changes for Medicare Advantage by early April.
