GOP docs slam proposed Medicare cuts

Republican doctors in the House are joining the chorus of stakeholders urging the administration to drop proposed reimbursement cuts to Medicare Advantage (MA).

“Seniors deserve stability and consistency in their MA benefits,” the lawmakers wrote to federal health officials.

{mosads}”We strongly urge you to keep 2015 MA payment rates flat to ensure that the 15 million seniors enrolled in MA will continue to receive uninterrupted access to these healthcare benefits.”

The letter is part of a growing push against further reductions to private Medicare, which saw cuts last year and under the Affordable Care Act. The Medicare agency proposed a 2 percent cut to plans in February that will be finalized on April 1.

Supporters of the cuts argue they will fight waste, and note that Medicare Advantage receives more money on average per beneficiary than traditional Medicare.

Opponents say the popular program will see real harm under further reductions.

The doctors’ letter was circulated by America’s Health Insurance Plans, a major trade group that has launched a multi-platform campaign against the cuts.