Better Medicare Alliance

For seniors, benefits offered by #MedicareAdvantage plans, such as assistance with groceries and meal delivery, are more than supplemental, they’re fundamental. 

Policy changes that impact #MedicareAdvantage plans can have negative consequences for seniors living on a fixed income. When benefits are cut and heath care costs increase, but seniors’ budgets stay the same, they are forced to cut back on essentials, like food and heat.

📣Press Statement: Better Medicare Alliance responds to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services decision to terminate the #MedicareAdvantage VBID Model, impacting beneficiaries and innovation. Read the statement 👉 https://bit.ly/3ZWavd0

For seniors living on a fixed income, every dollar counts. By choosing Medicare Advantage, Kathy can afford to offer counseling services in her community and do the art projects she enjoys – without worrying about her health care. 

Have you tried BMA’s new SSBCI tool? It’s a searchable database of research on the core Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI). This free resource will help the #MedicareAdvantage community identify gaps in literature and broaden the base of evidence on non-medical interventions that support health and wellbeing. Check it out at SSBCIdatabase.org

For seniors, supplemental benefits offered by #MedicareAdvantage plans, such as assistance with groceries and meal delivery, are more than supplemental, they’re fundamental. Without these benefits, many #seniors would have to choose between food and health care. 

Congratulations to BMA Board Chair Elena Rios, MD, and the entire team at the National Hispanic Health Foundation for hosting a memorable 2024 Gala. The evening was a celebration of the future of health care, as NHHF awarded to scholarships to over 20 students in medical and health care programs across the country  –  an inspiring investment in our nation’s future health leaders. BMA joined NHHF and the other BMA allies, including Meals on Wheels America, Healthsperien LLC, and America's Physician Groups, in congratulating the night’s honorees: Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY 13), Deputy Chair, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Rep. Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA 38), Advisory Council, Congressional Hispanic Caucus David J. Skorton, MD,  President & CEO, Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Cristina Antelo, CEO, Ferox Strategies Sindy Escobar Alvarez, PhD, Medical Research Program Director, Doris Duke Foundation Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX 20), Member, Congressional Hispanic Caucus

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues as they confront this unimaginable loss. Brian’s leadership and dedication to improving health care access and outcomes for millions of Americans will leave a lasting impact.

For seniors without reliable transportation, it can be hard to receive health care. #Seniors who don’t drive need to rely on family or public transportation to see their doctors. A simple checkup can take a full day in an area with limited bus service. Many #MedicareAdvantage plans offer transportation assistance through Supplemental Benefits, something that is not offered in Fee-For-Service Medicare. For seniors who need it, this benefit is fundamental.

Mark Mantei, CEO of Vancouver Clinic, a Better Medicare Alliance ally, supports Medicare Advantage because it delivers high-quality care for seniors. “Medicare Advantage has provided affordable, comprehensive care for seniors in Southwest Washington and Oregon,” he says. “We remain dedicated to collaborating with policymakers to reduce administrative hurdles and strengthen the overall effectiveness of Medicare Advantage for patients and providers alike.”