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certainty the extent of these savings to either program at
this time.
L. Alternatives Considered
This proposed rule contains a range of policies,
including some proposals related to specific MMA provisions.
The preamble provides descriptions of the statutory
provisions that are addressed, identifies those policies
when discretion has been exercised, presents rationale for
our decisions and, where relevant, alternatives that were
considered.
M. Impact on Beneficiaries
There are a number of changes made in this proposed
rule that would have an effect on beneficiaries. In
general, we believe these changes will improve beneficiary
access to services that are currently covered or will expand
the Medicare benefit package to include new services. As
explained in more detail below, the regulatory provisions
may affect beneficiary liability in some cases. Any changes
in aggregate beneficiary liability from a particular
provision will be a function of the coinsurance (20 percent
if applicable for the particular provision after the
beneficiary has met the deductible) and the effect of the
aggregate cost (savings) of the provision on the calculation
of the Medicare Part B premium rate (generally 25 percent of
the provision's cost or savings).