THE ARIZONA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION RETIRED APPLAUDS MEDICARE ADVANTAGE RATE INCREASE

By Ken Freed

I am a member of the Arizona Education Association Retired and feel strongly that every person is entitled to be treated fairly and with respect. With that in mind, I applaud the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' recent decision to reconsider its initial 0.09% Medicare Advantage (MA) rate increase for 2027 in favor of a more reasonable 2.48% increase.

This final rate underscores an understanding of the medical and financial pressures many seniors face. And while more funding is needed, this increase will more adequately fund the program next year and allow seniors to maintain their independence and dignity.

But especially heading into the midterm elections, Arizona’s congressional delegation must continue to work on lowing healthcare costs, especially for seniors. To this end, it must consider the impact of the recently revived No UPCODE Act, which purports to address Medicare Advantage fraud and abuse. Medicare Advantage program already operates under strict federal oversight. However, the No UPCODE Act risks undermining Medicare Advantage affordability and member access to supplemental benefits and in-home care, while not providing any new oversight of the program. The No UPCODE Act must not be allowed to move forward.

Ken Freed is a former educator and member of the Arizona Education Association.