AAHD is a National Health Council (NHC) member. The NHC has submitted 31 page detailed comments to CMS on proposed Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D rules. The NHC emphasizes effective beneficiary understanding and effective integration of services and supports. AAHD particularly supports and values the detailed observations and ideas on Medicare Advantage “Star Ratings.” NHC emphasizes access to care, care coordination, beneficiary experience, management of chronic conditions, and implications in serving high-need populations, while cautioning against Star Rating “volatility.” Many of the NHC comments address other issues not as AAHD focused or thought out. AAHD and Lakeshore Foundation earlier joined and posted the Medicare Access for Patients Rx Coalition comments to CMS. The January 26 NHC comments are here: PDF.