Blue Cross says proposed cuts will hurt Medicare Advantage enrollees

Proposed cuts to a popular Medicare program would lead to sharpincreases in costs for recipients, including many in WesternPennsylvania, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association officials saidyesterday.

Congress has already approved $13 billion in cuts for the MedicareAdvantage program starting this year, and legislators are consideringmore reductions as they look to offset other spending priorities.

“Further cuts to the program would have absolutely disastrousconsequences,” said Alissa Fox, vice president of legislative andregulatory policy for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Shewarned of higher premiums, reduced benefits and fewer plans.

Medicare Advantage is provided through private insurers who receivepayments from the federal government. It focuses more on “coordinated”care than traditional Medicare, helping seniors manage chronicillnesses such as diabetes. Nationwide, 8.3 million people are enrolledin Medicare Advantage

Source and more: Pittsburgh Post Gazette  http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07059/765508-321.stm