WA SJM8002

Washington State Legislature petitions the federal government to oppose Medicare privatization and level the playing field between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans

Urges elimination of the 20 percent copays in Original Medicare and establishment of an out-of-pocket cap on medical expenses

Requests adding dental, vision, and hearing coverage to Original Medicare to match benefits permitted in private Medicare Advantage plans

Calls for eliminating excessive administrative costs and profits in Medicare Advantage programs, which can take up to 15 percent of Medicare dollars for administration and profits

Demands recovery of $75 billion to $140 billion in annual overpayments, fraud, and abuse from Medicare Advantage documented by the HHS Inspector General, academic researchers, and investigative journalists