Dear Chairman Hatch, Ranking Member Wyden, Senator Isakson, and Senator Warner:

On behalf of the Medicare Rights Center (Medicare Rights), I am writing to provide input on the Senate Finance Committee request for feedback on policy initiatives to improve the health and wellbeing of people with Medicare with multiple chronic conditions. We agree that policy solutions are needed to improve health outcomes and care quality for this vulnerable population, and we thank the Committee for engaging in a transparent, multi-stakeholder process to seek input on policy options. We support the Committee’s broad, bipartisan goals of increased care coordination, aligned payment systems to encourage appropriate care, and enhanced health care quality.

Medicare Rights is a national, nonprofit organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy, educational programs, and public policy initiatives. We provide services and resources to over 1.5 million beneficiaries, family caregivers, and professionals annually. Based on our experience working with Medicare beneficiaries—from enrollment and advertising through coverage and appeals—we encourage the Committee to consider the following recommendations as you review proposed policies and develop legislation:Read the Letter