St. Charles Health System Considers Dropping Medicare Advantage

St. Charles Health System in Oregon is advising local senior citizens to switch from Medicare Advantage plans to traditional Medicare due to concerns about patient care, access, and affordability. The health system cited difficulties in receiving approvals for medical procedures and delays in finding skilled nursing or rehab facilities that accept Medicare Advantage insurance. St. Charles is evaluating its participation in Medicare Advantage plans and is urging patients to review their health insurance coverage during the upcoming open enrollment period. The American Hospital Association has also expressed concerns about certain Medicare Advantage plan policies that restrict or delay patient access to care.