On August 28, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the new Medicare Plan Finder (MPF). NCOA, Justice in Aging, Medicare Rights Center, and the Center for Medicare Advocacy sent a letter to CMS Administrator Seema Verma urging the agency to address concerns regarding changes to the MPF tool and the 2020 MCMG.

Review our joint press release and letter.

The letter notes a number of improvements made to MPF, and also expresses concern about the effects the late-August launch date may have on third-party assisters, like State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs). Not only is there limited time to learn the new tool and adjust to the updates that are planned through the October 15 start to the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP), but there are also recent legislative and regulatory changes to Medicare benefits set to take effect that will likely increase demand for SHIP assistance.