By Mary Ellen McIntire

Top House Republicans are urging officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to “scrap” the proposed changes to Employer Group Waiver Plans under the proposed rates for Medicare Advantage next year.

In a letter, signed by House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California, Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana, Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington, Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady of Texas and Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton of Michigan, top House Republicans call on CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt not to include the proposals that would cut funding for EGWPs, which cover retirees, in the final notice that will be released next month.

They also ask questions about CMS’ analysis of the changes and express concerns about the timeline that employers would have, since many have already committed to health plans for the 2017 calendar year.

“In the interest of protecting retirees and avoiding seniors losing coverage that coordinates their care, we encourage CMS to scrap the proposed changes to MA EGWPs when finalizing the CY 2017 MA  policies,” they write. “We also note that, due to the short time frame between when the proposed policy changes would be effective and when they would have to be implemented by CMS and plans, the proposed policy changes could seriously inhibit employers’ ability to deliver on their commitment to offer retiree coverage through MA EGWPs in 2017 to retirees.”

The letter comes after several lawmakers, unions, employers and other groups have focused on asking CMS to revise the proposed payments for retiree plans since the Advanced Notice was presented.

The full Morning Consult article can also be viewed here.