Alliance for Aging Research Submits Comments to CMS on Ways to Improve Medicare Advantage Programs for Beneficiaries

Washington, DC, August 31, 2022 –The Alliance for Aging Research submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on ways to improve Medicare Advantage (MA) programs for beneficiaries.

The comments focused on changes CMS should make to MA programs to ensure all patients have equitable access to health services. Specifically, the Alliance noted ways to reduce barriers to care, promote preventative services, strengthen data collection mechanisms in electronic health records, and ensure discriminatory methodologies are not used to limit access. Additionally, the Alliance urged CMS to explore pathways to ensure that Medicare patients have access to benefits, such as vision, dental, and hearing care,  that are medically necessary but are currently only covered for Medicare beneficiaries under supplemental MA plans. We believe the proposals outlined in the letter will, if implemented, strengthen patient access to care, lower out-of-pocket costs, and protect patients from unexpected interruptions to their insurance coverage.