WASHINGTON - Ways and Means Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) and Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Pete Stark (D-CA) today issued the following statements in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) report projecting that between 2011 and 2012, average monthly premiums for Medicare Advantage plans are expected to decline by 4 percent and Medicare Advantage enrollment is projected to increase by 10 percent. As previously announced, average monthly premiums in Medicare Part D will drop more than 2 percent to $30.
Levin: "Today’s report provides yet more evidence that seniors will continue to benefit from the Affordable Care Act - with Medicare Advantage and prescription drug premiums slated to fall, and more Americans poised to join the Medicare Advantage program. The Affordable Care Act is already benefiting millions of American families. At every turn we will fight Republican repeal efforts."
Stark: "Contrary to Republican rhetoric, today's CMS numbers prove that health reform is improving Medicare. We've seen Medicare Advantage premiums continue to go down, while enrollment continues to increase. Prescription drug premiums have also been reduced, even as benefits have been expanded thanks to the Affordable Care Act. As implementation of health reform continues, more Americans will continue to benefit."
