Key Points:
- There is increasing tension between hospitals and Medicare Advantage (MA) insurers as the program expands and the federal government adopts a stricter stance on health plans.
- These tensions could affect the care received by over half of the seniors enrolled in MA, potentially leading to reduced benefits, fewer provider choices, or higher costs.
- Some healthcare providers have already terminated their contracts with MA plans, and many more are considering similar actions.
- Hospitals report an increase in denied claims by MA plans, underpayment, and delays in care authorization, negatively impacting their revenue streams.