NABIP urges congressional action on Medicare Advantage

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals and a coalition of leading insurance and benefits organizations have sent a joint letter to congressional leaders urging immediate action to address growing concerns in the Medicare Advantage market. The letter, addressed to House and Senate leadership, outlines critical policy recommendations aimed at ensuring seniors maintain access to the care and coverage they depend on. 

“With over 33 million Americans now enrolled in Medicare Advantage, it is more important than ever that Congress take steps to ensure stability in the program,” said NABIP CEO Jessica Brooks-Woods. "The challenges facing beneficiaries, from plan access restrictions to aggressive marketing and carrier-health system disputes, must be addressed to protect millions of seniors nationwide."

The letter includes testimonials that NABIP members have gathered from over 10,000 Medicare beneficiaries highlighting these challenges and the essential role of licensed agents and brokers in helping them navigate their options.

The coalition letter emphasizes several key areas requiring legislative attention:

• Protecting Access to Trusted Guidance – Ensuring fair agent and broker compensation so seniors continue to receive expert support in choosing and maintaining their Medicare coverage.

• Curbing Unsolicited Marketing Calls – Strengthening regulations on call centers to prevent misleading and high-pressure sales tactics that confuse and mislead beneficiaries.

• Preventing Disruptions from Carrier-Health System Negotiations – Enhancing transparency and accountability in insurer-provider contract disputes to protect seniors from losing access to their trusted healthcare providers.

• Streamlining Prior Authorization Processes – Reducing administrative barriers that delay access to critical treatments and prescriptions for Medicare beneficiaries.

• Maintaining Plan Availability Across Counties – Addressing the decreasing number of available Medicare Advantage plans in certain regions, particularly rural and underserved areas, to preserve beneficiary choice.

The coalition calls on Congress to collaborate with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and other regulatory agencies to enact these necessary reforms. The full letter can be accessed here.