The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Health News recently reported on growing concerns that Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are not meeting federal requirements for adequate provider networks. The article highlights how beneficiaries in several regions have faced limited access to specialists, long travel distances for care, and provider directories that are often in accurate or outdated. These access issues are especially pronounced for older adults in underserved communities, where provider shortages and narrow networks can create additional barriers to timely care. The report also outlines efforts by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to strengthen oversight, including new audits and enforcement actions aimed at ensuring that MA plans comply with federal network-adequacy standards. These measures are intended to improve accuracy in provider listings, ensure reasonable appointment availability, and address gaps that affect patient access across the country.

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