BPC Comments on Examining the Extension of Special Needs Plans

The Bipartisan Policy Center appreciates the opportunity to submit comments for the official record at today’s House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on legislation to improve and extend the Medicare Advantage (MA) Special Needs Plans (SNPs) program. BPC commends the bipartisan collaboration of Energy & Commerce Committee and Ways & Means Committee members and staff to examine the SNP program and improve coordination of care for the vulnerable individuals it serves. BPC’s Health Project has released numerous recommendations to improve quality and value in the U.S. health care system and the financing and delivery of long-term services and supports (LTSS). In September 2016, BPC released a report on improving care for individuals dually-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.1 This report examined and provided recommendations on the reimbursement and the integration of services for programs that serve dual-eligible beneficiaries, including MA Special-Needs Plans, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and Medicare- Medicaid Plans (MMPs) under the Financial Alignment Initiative demonstration.