The AHA generally supports the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ proposals to increase flexibility in plan design, cost sharing and enrollment for the Medicare Advantage and prescription drug programs in 2019, but recommends caution to ensure that the added flexibility provides value and does not confuse beneficiaries, the association said in comments submitted today. AHA recommends that CMS increase flexibility in MA uniformity requirements “incrementally upon evidence that such an approach supports the desired outcomes,” and “strongly supports” agency efforts to prevent and take action against any plan discrimination in out-of-pocket and cost sharing limits. The association expressed concern that eliminating the “meaningfully different” standard for organizations that offer multiple MA plans in the same county may confuse beneficiaries regarding plan options, and recommends that CMS explore better tools and resources to improve the beneficiary experience if it moves forward with the proposal. AHA also strongly recommends that beneficiaries receive adequate notice of any change in the enrollment process and can get timely answers to their questions.

Related News Articles

Headline
The House July 3 voted 218-214 to pass the final version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), which enacts many of President Trump’s legislative…
Headline
The AHA July 3 released the Health Care Plan Accountability Update for the second quarter of 2025. The update covers the latest developments in Medicare…
Headline
The Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services today announced the creation of the DOJ-HHS False Claims Act Working Group to combat health care fraud…
Headline
The Senate narrowly passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) on July 1 by a 50-50 tally, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.…
Headline
The AHA June 29 sent a letter to senators urging them to amend the budget reconciliation bill before its final passage in the Senate. The Senate version of the…
Chairperson's File
Public
Advocacy is a core part of the work of the AHA, protecting and sustaining what hospitals and health systems need to truly care for our communities. We often…