Federal regulators announced yesterday that they plan to cut payments to insurers that run private Medicare Advantage plans less than was originally announced. This decision eliminated many of the controversial cuts and policy changes that had been initially proposed.  Senator Warner had expressed concerns to the Administration that these proposed cuts would have meant higher costs for enrolled Virginia seniors and fewer Medicare Advantage plans being offered.  Nearly 16 million people, or about 30% of eligible seniors, are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.   

“It’s critically important that that Virginia seniors continue to have access to a variety of high-quality health care plans, including Medicare Advantage,” Senator Warner said. “Last year, more than 180,000 Virginia seniors enrolled in a Medicare Advantage because of the variety of services provided. Over the last few weeks, many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have raised concerns about inappropriately cutting these plans, which could stifle innovation and reduce health care options available to our seniors.”