Syracuse, NY–The Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) hosted a discussion today with Representative John Katko (NY-18) and local seniors about Medicare Advantage and the more than 1.2 million beneficiaries in New York who choose these plans for quality, affordable coverage.
The discussion focused on the value of Medicare Advantage and the importance of working to protect seniors who rely upon these plans. Representative Katko also listened to how the program is working for New York seniors and the vital need to preserve seniors’ health care choices.
“We need to make sure seniors have options available to them when making decisions about their health care coverage,” said Representative Katko. “I think that allowing seniors access to Medicare Advantage plans in addition to traditional Medicare helps them to pick the coverage that is best for their health care needs.”
Seniors from the Coalition had the opportunity to relay their personal Medicare Advantage stories, and asked Representative Katko to work to protect their Medicare Advantage benefits while in Washington.
“Without Medicare Advantage I would not be able to get the medicine that I need to function everyday. Medicare Advantage allows me to see the doctors I need and to get preventative care,” said coalition member Marietta Hanley. “Seniors need someone to protect the Medicare Advantage plans they have and Congressman Katko is standing behind seniors.”
Medicare Advantage is the part of Medicare through which private health plans provides comprehensive medical coverage to seniors and persons with disabilities. More than 16 million Americans nationwide, including more than 1.2 million New Yorkers, choose Medicare Advantage because of the better services, higher-quality care, and added benefits these health care plans provide. Research shows that 9 out of 10 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are satisfied with their coverage.
The Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC), founded in 1999, is a fast-growing, national grassroots organization of more than 1.8 million people who receive their health care coverage through a Medicare Advantage health plan. Members of the Coalition, who reside in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, are united in supporting high quality health plan choices in Medicare.
To learn more, visit www.MedicareChoices.org and follow the coalition on Facebook and Twitter.