CMS: Quality associated with Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Program rising

BALTIMORE — Quality associated with Medicare Advantage and the Part D Prescription Drug Program is on the rise, as about 60% of seniors with a Medicare Advantage Plan are currently enrolled in plans with four or more stars for 2015, compared to an estimated 17% in 2009, according to a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services blog post published Friday. Medicare Advantage enrollment is projected to reach an all-time high in 2015, with more than 16 million beneficiaries. 

 

Likewise, about 53% of Part D enrollees are currently enrolled in stand-alone prescription drug plans with four or more stars for 2015, compared to just 16% in 2009.

 

In addition, the 2015 Part B premiums will not change for the second consecutive year. "This means more of seniors’ retirement income — and any increase in Social Security benefits — stays in their pockets," said Marilyn Tavenner, CMS administrator. "Thanks to slower than expected growth in health care, premiums and deductibles in 2015 for the approximately 49 million Americans enrolled in Original Medicare will remain unchanged at $104.90 and $147, respectively. For the fourth year in a row, Medicare premium costs are meeting or beating expectations. According to Health & Human Services, premiums will be at least $125 lower over the course of a year then what the Congressional Budget Office estimated for 2015 back in 2009," she said. 

 

"We’re continuing to work hard to make sure this good news continues. The lower costs and better care is good news for the trust funds, great news for taxpayers, and even better news for people with Medicare," Tavenner added.