A bipartisan group of lawmakers is urging CMS to maintain "payment and policy" stability in Medicare Advantage.
In a letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the group of 60 senators asked the agency to "consider the ongoing implementation of program reforms finalized last year and provide stability for the Medicare Advantage program in 2025."
CMS is phasing in rate adjustment changes over three years. Insurers have maintained the changes amount to a funding cut, while the agency says the payments are a slight bump in pay. The agency is expected to announce its rate notice for 2025 in the coming weeks.
The lawmakers wrote they look forward to working with the agency on tamping down deceptive marketing and improving prior authorization and transparency in the program.
"We urge CMS to look at meaningful ways to continue to sustain and strengthen Medicare Advantage to protect beneficiaries' affordability and access while improving transparency and building on the unique attributes of this important program," the senators wrote.
The letter comes after two lawmakers, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, wrote to the agency urging more action on curbing overpayments to the program.
Read the full letter here.