Better Medicare Alliance Launches MEDICARE ADVANTAGE: The FACTS SAY YES Digital Advocacy Campaign

Today, Better Medicare Alliance (BMA), the leading advocacy coalition supporting Medicare Advantage, announced the launch of “Medicare Advantage: The Facts Say Yes”, a digital advocacy campaign on the success of the Medicare Advantage in improving care for seniors and people with disabilities.

From better use of primary care to preventive care and enhanced benefits, Medicare Advantage is improving health care for over 17 million beneficiaries – and the facts show it. As part of the campaign, BMA published an online microsite linking to fact sheets that highlight the latest research and data on delivery of care for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries.

Running in digital, print and display outlets and on social media, the campaign highlights important research findings that compare delivery of care for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries to those with Traditional Medicare. For example, research showing a 28% reduction in hospital admissions for chronically ill diabetic patients enrolled in Medicare Advantage as compared to those enrolled in Traditional Medicare.

Each year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) conducts a review that proposes policy changes and sets payment rates for Medicare Advantage plans. Preliminary 2017 rates are made public on February 19, 2016, with final rates to be announced on April 4, 2016.

“As policymakers consider changes that impact the care provided to over 17 million people who have chosen Medicare Advantage, it is critical that we share the facts about the value of MA”., said President & CEO Allyson Y. Schwartz. “The data presented in the factsheets focus on four key areas—demographics, primary care, chronic care, and quality. Each fact is documented from a research or government entity and points to the value of MA in reducing hospitalizations, improving use of preventive care, increasing engagement with primary care clinicians, enhancing chronic disease management, and achieving high patient satisfaction—all goals we share to ensure the best care for seniors and people with disabilities who rely on Medicare.”

As a coalition of 43 ally organizations that represents nurses, doctors, insurers, businesses and senior organizations, BMA will mobilize its allies to communicate the value of MA to policymakers between now and the final rate notice announcement. BMA will also activate over 100,000 beneficiaries to share their perspectives on the value and experience in Medicare Advantage. Through BMA’s online advocacy portal, advocates will write letters, make phone calls, tell personal stories, and utilize social media platforms to urge policymakers to ensure the stability and sustainability of Medicare Advantage.

Better Medicare Alliance | The Better Medicare Alliance (BMA) is a coalition of providers, plans, beneficiaries and advocates who support Medicare Advantage as an option under Medicare. Medicare Advantage offers quality, affordability and simplicity, with enhanced benefits to more than 17 million Medicare beneficiaries across the United States of America. BMA works to ensure the sustainability and stability of Medicare Advantage through information, research, education, and united support among stakeholders to strengthen this important coverage for seniors and people with disabilities. For more information, please visit www.bettermedicarealliance.org.