2 Million Seniors and The Coalition for Medicare Choices Mobilize to Support Medicare Advantage

“As a retired nurse, I’m grateful for the many advantages of Medicare Advantage — most especially, the strong focus on preventative care.”

— Mary Ellen Creech
CMC member from Ridgeville, SC

Washington, D.C. – Two million seniors from The Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC), the nation’s largest and most influential organization dedicated to preserving and strengthening Medicare Advantage (MA), are working in 23 states to educate and inform their representatives on the value MA delivers.

Affordability and peace of mind . . . staying healthy with extra preventive benefits . . . and comprehensive, all-in-one care – those are the advantages of MA that seniors depend on every day.

• Nationwide, there are nearly 22 million seniors and individuals with disabilities who rely on Medicare Advantage for their health care needs.
• MA provides affordable options, including low out-of-pocket costs, prescription drug coverage, and integrated vision and dental benefits.
• 90% of members are satisfied with their plans, which is why MA continues to grow in popularity. One-third of America’s seniors choose MA today.

“The focus on preventative care has not only helped me to lose weight, but has improved my overall health, which means lower healthcare costs in the long run,” said Mary Ellen Creech of South Carolina. “I hope more and more Members of Congress realize the many benefits of Medicare Advantage and continue to strongly support this crucial program over 19 million Americans rely on.”

Over the course of the campaign, tens of thousands of seniors will contact their congressional offices and the administration, including in-person meetings, office visits, social media and letters. Over the past few years, this nationwide activation by CMC seniors has resulted in a very strong bipartisan majority of Congress showcasing their support for MA.

This year’s mobilization will be complemented by significant online advertising in every state. This campaign will give seniors the chance to tell policymakers in Washington what they love about their MA plans.

The mobilization comes in advance of the proposed Medicare Advantage “rate notice” by the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This notice may include changes to MA funding, which could affect millions of seniors. The consequences could be fewer plans, higher costs, and less access to the affordable benefits they rely on.

“In just a short amount, officials in Washington are going to make important decisions regarding Medicare Advantage, a healthcare program that provides seniors, like me, with a ton of benefits, including peace of mind,” said CMC senior Gerry Wrench of Marinette, WI.

“Thanks to Medicare Advantage, I am able to see my doctors regularly which means any health issues are spotted early on and stay in check, which is good for someone like myself who lives on a fixed income. I hope Congress recognizes the advantages of peace of mind that come with low healthcare costs and they continue to support Medicare Advantage.”