Medicare Advantage overpayments spark political divide and bipartisan action.

Some Senate Republicans are considering reforms to Medicare Advantage to reduce overpayments to insurance companies, which have been collecting billions of dollars in extra profits by over-diagnosing older patients. However, the idea of cracking down on Medicare Advantage overpayments divides Republicans, who have traditionally championed the program. Proponents of Medicare Advantage reform anticipate strong opposition from the insurance industry, one of the most powerful special interest groups in Washington. Sen. Bill Cassidy (La.), the top-ranking Republican on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, is leading the push to reduce Medicare overpayments. Cassidy’s proposal, which he introduced with progressive Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) on Monday, could draw broader interest from Republicans.