Medicare Advantage plans face criticism at congressional hearing for denying care, overcharging

Seniors might “not be aware that they may face greater barriers to accessing certain types of health care services in Medicare Advantage than in original Medicare,” Erin Bliss, an assistant inspector general with the federal Department of Health and Human Services, told a congressional hearing. (Getty Images)

Congress should crack down on Medicare Advantage health plans for seniors that sometimes deny patients vital medical care while overcharging the government billions of dollars every year, government watchdogs told a House panel.

Witnesses sharply criticized the fast-growing health plans at a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on oversight and investigations hearing, citing critical audits and other reports that described plans denying access to health care — particularly those with high rates of patients disenrolled in their last year of life, while likely in poor health and in need of more services.