Hike Proposed for Medicare Payments in 2019
- By BSTQ Staff
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has proposed a 1.84 percent increase in 2019 Medicare payments to health insurers that manage Medicare Advantage insurance plans for more than 20 million elderly and disabled people. The proposed rate, which was near analyst expectations, affects how much insurers charge for monthly healthcare premiums, plan benefits and how much they profit. It also expands the benefits insurers can offer in the plans to include items such as wheelchair ramps and devices to diminish the impact of health conditions. As of January, enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans was 20.9 million, accounting for 35 percent of overall Medicare enrollment. The largest sellers of these plans are UnitedHealth Group, Humana, Aetna and WellCare Health Plans.
References
- Humer C. U.S. Government Proposes 1.84 Percent Hike in 2019 Payments to Medicare Insurers. Reuters, Feb. 1, 2018. Accessed at www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-healthcare-medicare/u-s-governmentproposes-1-84-percent-hike-in-2019-payments-to-medicare-insurersidUSKBN1FL6K7.
