Medicare Rights Center Applauds CMS Initiative to Help People with Marketplace Coverage Transition to Medicare

Washington, DC—Today, heeding a call to action from more than 40 leading consumer advocates and health insurers, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced an initiative to help people with Marketplace plans transition to Medicare.

“We applaud CMS for today’s announcement. Advance notice and adequate education is fundamental to ensuring that people with Marketplace plans are prepared to enroll in Medicare,” said Joe Baker, president of the Medicare Rights Center, a national, nonprofit consumer service organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities.

“A mismanaged transition to Medicare can result in higher health care costs, gaps in coverage, and even tax penalties—making adequate notice and supports critical to promoting the health and financial security of people new to Medicare,” said Baker.

“The Medicare Rights Center looks forward to working with CMS to shape this initiative. We strongly encourage the agency to work closely with consumer advocates and health insurers to develop effective notice and messaging for this population.”

Contact: Mitchell Clark – mclark@medicarerights.org – 212-204-6286

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