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Inside the Medicare Advantage influence machine

The article "Inside the Medicare Advantage Influence Machine" from MSN discusses the extensive lobbying efforts and influence campaigns by the Medicare Advantage (MA) industry. It highlights how MA plans, which are private alternatives to traditional Medicare, have become a significant part of the U.S. healthcare system, covering over 30 million Americans. The piece details how these plans, backed by major insurers like UnitedHealth Group, Humana, and CVS Health, spend millions on lobbying to protect and expand their market share. Tactics include funding advocacy groups, employing former government officials, and leveraging grassroots campaigns to influence policy. The article also touches on the controversies surrounding MA, such as overpayments, upcoding, and the aggressive marketing tactics used to enroll seniors, often leading to confusion and potential harm. It points out the political influence these companies wield, with significant contributions to political campaigns and the hiring of lobbyists with deep connections in Washington, D.C., to shape legislation in their favor.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/inside-the-medicare-advantage-influence-machine/ar-AA1vCtcQ ]