September 24,2010

Grassley, Colleagues Seek Further Analysis on Health Overhaul's Effects on Medicare Advantage

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley, joined by Sens. Orrin Hatch, Jon Kyl and Mike Crapo, today asked the chief actuary at the Department of Health and Human Services for all analysis leading to findings that the health care overhaul’s billions of dollars in cuts to Medicare Advantage will lead to higher premiums, fewer benefits, and fewer choices for millions of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries.

The senators said supporters of the health overhaul have made countless promises about how people will be able to keep their current plans and existing benefits, but analysis from the government’s own health actuary predicts a 50 percent reduction in enrollment over projected levels due to higher costs, fewer benefits, and plans being forced out of the market entirely.

Grassley is ranking member of the Finance Committee, with jurisdiction over Medicare.  Hatch, Kyl, and Crapo are committee members.