October MedPAC Meeting Reviews Focus Group Findings, Medicare Advantage Benefits

The October Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) focused on results from annual Medicare beneficiary and provider focus groups that help guide the commission’s reports to Congress. MedPAC is a non-partisan, independent legislative branch commission created to advise Congress about Medicare-related issues.

In the latest results, beneficiaries reported longer wait times for specialty care than primary care. Clinicians reported shorter wait times for established patients than for new patients and an uptick in Medicare Advantage (MA) patients in their case mix. Overall, MA enrollees reported being satisfied with their coverage, but there were some reports of negative experiences with prior authorization.

While MA plans are required to cover basic Medicare Part A and B services, they also use rebate dollars to provide supplemental benefits to enrollees such as dental, vision, hearing and transportation. MedPAC staff presented an overview of the use of these services, including a projection of Medicare paying MA plans approximately $83 billion in rebates for 2024.

If you have questions or would like more information, contact Kimberly Greck, American College of Radiology® Senior Economic Policy Analyst.