The Medicare Advantage market has come under attack for excessive payments from the government and deservedly so. But these plans do a far better job of taking care of patients than occurs in fee-for-service Medicare. In fact, I think Medicare should just be turned into Medicare Advantage. It would save money and patients would be better cared for. The latest example of this is found in a JAMA study. The authors looked at cancer care in fee-for-service and MA, comparing tens of thousands of patients. Care was just as timely in MA plans, care guidelines were followed just as frequently and the costs were lower by 25%. Just one more example among many that MA plans are better for patients and much better for controlling health spending. (JAMA Article)
