NAHU Supports Medicare Provisions in New Government Funding Bill

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 -- The National Association of Health Underwriters issued the following news release:

The National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) applauds congressional leaders and the Administration for passing another Continuing Resolution that provides federal funding through March 23, 2018. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 also includes key Medicare provisions that will help seniors by providing better and more coordinated healthcare services.

"The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 is an important step to strengthen and improve healthcare for seniors, especially those living with chronic or complex healthcare conditions," stated NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein. "The legislation improves home healthcare benefits and strengthens Medicare Advantage's proven success by expanding supplemental benefits for those with chronic conditions, increasing telemedicine benefits, and extending the value-based design model to all states.

"NAHU has long supported value-based design initiatives in both the over- and under-65 healthcare markets. Allowing for new options and tools for Medicare beneficiaries and their doctors not only improves seniors' healthcare but also creates financial incentives that will bring down costs and increase consumer choices. Moving away from a payment system rooted primarily on the volume of healthcare services provided to a system based on the value of these services will improve the quality of medical care for seniors while spending less money to do so.

"We are pleased that these measures were included in the Continuing Resolution, but there is still much to advocate for on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries as well as overall health insurance market stability. We look forward to working with members of Congress and other entities on this and other legislation that promotes patient-centered, value-based and high-quality healthcare for all Americans."

The National Association of Health Underwriters represents 100,000 professional health insurance agents and brokers who provide insurance for millions of Americans. NAHU is headquartered in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.nahu.org.