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Center for Advancing Health Policy through Research

Medicare Advantage

The other half of the 62 million Medicare beneficiaries receive coverage through private plans for Medicare enrollees, known as Medicare Advantage.

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Enrollment in Medicare Advantage (MA) has grown remarkably, increasing from 24% of Medicare beneficiaries in 2010 to 51% in 2023. Under MA, private insurers are paid using risk-adjusted per beneficiary per month rates, an approach that CMS and others believe will encourage efficient resource use and quality. Yet many stakeholders argue that MA plans are overpaid and have questioned the program’s value. In light of unprecedented enrollment growth, understanding how MA can be reformed to deliver on its promise is essential. 

Recent news

April 29, 2025 The Boston Globe

Home health care workers are demanding better pay. Cuts to Medicaid could stand in their way.

The article discusses how home health care workers in Rhode Island are fighting for better wages and working conditions through unionization, but their efforts are at risk due to proposed federal Medicaid cuts. David J. Meyers, a health economist at Brown University, warns that such cuts could have a “massive, qualitative impact on people’s lives” and ultimately increase health care spending as unmet needs at home lead to more hospitalizations and emergency visits.
November 22, 2024 Turn on the Lights Podcast

Health system ownership with Hayden Rooke-Ley

Is Medicare Advantage improving healthcare efficiency or creating higher costs that favor insurers? Hayden Rooke-Ley explores its rapid expansion, questions about cost and care quality, and the challenges of implementing effective regulations.
November 11, 2024 The Wall Street Journal

The Sickest Patients Are Fleeing Private Medicare Plans—Costing Taxpayers Billions

An increasing number of Medicare Advantage patients, especially those in their final year of life, are switching to traditional Medicare, leading to a significant cost shift from private insurers to taxpayers.
November 4, 2024 The Washington Post

Medicare Advantage insurers fear losing millions over a few bad phone calls

This article examines lawsuits from Medicare Advantage insurers, who claim minor customer service issues threaten millions in bonuses, while experts like Brown University's David Meyers argue that these cases reveal deeper flaws in a rating system that overstates plan quality without accurately reflecting patient care.
November 4, 2024 STAT News

Private Medicare plans collect billions for care veterans are actually getting from VA

This article explores a study led by Brown University researchers on the billions in potentially redundant payments Medicare Advantage plans receive for veterans primarily cared for by the VA, despite industry claims, like those from UnitedHealthcare, that these payments reflect actual costs.
August 27, 2024 Chicago Sun Times and KFF Health News

Medicare Advantage plans got ‘alarming’ break from the U.S. government a decade ago: Here’s why

A decade ago, CMS tried to rein in Medicare Advantage overbilling, only to withdraw amid industry pressure, now fueling a $2 billion fraud case against UnitedHealth. Newly released court documents expose the struggle to protect taxpayer dollars while navigating powerful industry pushback.
August 12, 2024 Health Affairs Forefront

Are Changes To The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Driving Value In US Health Care?

The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule is a cornerstone of U.S. healthcare policy, directly influencing how services are priced and covered. This Health Affairs blog delves into a brief analysis of the CY25 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Changes and what impact it could have moving forward.
May 23, 2024 Brown University

Medicare payment parity key to saving independent physicians, Dr. Ashish Jha tells Congress

Dr. Ashish K. Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, addressed the House Committee on Ways and Means on why the U.S. is seeing a decline in private medical practices and what we can do about it.
March 20, 2024 Health Affairs Forefront

2025 Medicare Advantage Advance Notice: Small Changes, Missed Opportunities

Under the CMS 2025 Medicare Advantage Advance Notice, CAHPR researchers emphasize the expected revenue increases and minor changes in risk adjustment practices; highlighting the impactful changes on the horizon and the critical reforms that still await attention.

January 4, 2024 NPR

Older Americans say they feel trapped in Medicare Advantage plans

Read this NPR article or listen to the All Things Considered NPR broadcast featuring Dr. David Meyers where he talks about the difficulties a beneficiary can face when enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
September 14, 2023 Fierce Healthcare

Fully integrated D-SNP plans aren't improving the member experience, study finds

Are fully integrated Medicare Advantage plans for dual-eligible individuals delivering on their promise of improved care coordination and patient experience? Find out by reading this article featuring Dr. David Meyers.
August 25, 2023 Becker's Payer Issues

Nearly half of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries disenroll from their plans within 5 years: Study

Researchers at Brown University School of Public Health in Providence found that many Medicare Advantage beneficiaries disenroll from their plans within five years of enrolling.
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