DeLauro: Stronger Protections for Seniors in Medicare Advantage Are a Step in the Right Direction

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today on the new protections for seniors whose Medicare Advantage plans significantly change their provider networks. Details on the new protections, announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), can be viewed here.

Approximately 32,000 Connecticut Medicare Advantage participants were impacted by a decision by United Healthcare to drop about 2,200 doctors from its Medicare Advantage network last year. DeLauro will be meeting with constituents this Friday, April 11 at 2:30 p.m. to discuss the protections announced today.

“Businesses have a right to make business decisions, but as an alternative to the federally administered Medicare program, they also have the responsibility to provide quality, accessible care. Unfortunately--as we saw with United Healthcare in my home state of Connecticut--that is not always what happens. CMS is taking a step in the right direction with these new rules to ensure Medicare Advantage plans are serving the needs of seniors. I look forward to discussing their impact on Friday.”