Seniors and Allies Speak Out: Protecting Medicare Advantage for the Future
After two straight years of Medicare Advantage cuts, beneficiaries and Better Medicare Alliance Allies are mobilizing to ensure that their elected representatives help protect Medicare Advantage for seniors moving forward — with adequate funding and sensible policies. Over the past several weeks, these seniors and diverse groups have met with congressional lawmakers to highlight how Medicare Advantage is working for more than 34 million Americans, with better care at a lower cost to beneficiaries than Fee-For-Service Medicare. Their message is clear: Seniors depend on Medicare Advantage for affordable health care, and Washington must protect Medicare Advantage.
At a roundtable discussion last month with House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), Medicare Advantage beneficiaries and health care organizations spoke directly about their experiences with the program and care delivery in rural Minnesota. Vicki Ernst, a small business owner from Carver County, Minn., said Medicare Advantage has provided affordable benefits, such as a fitness club membership and transportation assistance, that are helping her, and her husband stay active and independent. She also recounted the support her husband received from Medicare Advantage following an accident.
At a discussion last month hosted by the North Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, beneficiaries and community leaders met with U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) to discuss the future of Medicare Advantage. Beneficiary Mike Phillips shared what Medicare Advantage means to him and his family: Having recently become Medicare-eligible, Phillips said he had never fully appreciated the program’s value until he needed it. His story was a powerful reminder of how Medicare Advantage provides essential services to seniors.
In Las Vegas, members of the Asian American community gathered with Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV) to discuss the impact of Medicare Advantage on their lives. Bill Wong, a former member of the Board of Directors for the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce, highlighted benefits of the program included automated appointment scheduling and hospital check-ins. However, he also raised concerns about rising costs and the discontinuation of flexible spending for non-prescription drugs, noting that many seniors in his community are struggling to absorb these changes.
James Lamb, another Medicare Advantage beneficiary, also shared concerns about the changes he is seeing, saying Medicare Advantage is a “lifeline” for seniors. Rep. Lee reaffirmed her support for Medicare Advantage. Across the country, beneficiaries and BMA Allies are leading the charge to protect Medicare Advantage. With more than 34 million Americans enrolled in the program, Medicare Advantage delivers better care at a lower cost to beneficiaries than Fee-For-Service. But the program can only continue to deliver for seniors with adequate funding and support.
To learn more about what you can do to advocate for Medicare Advantage, click here.