Senator Steve Daines & Representative Greg Gianforte show support for Medicare Advantage at Coalition exercise events

In February, Coalition members from Montana were joined by Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Greg Gianforte for SilverSneakers workout events in Belgrade and Great Falls, where they shared their experience with Medicare Advantage coverage.

17 Coalition members participated in the Great Falls event with Rep. Gianforte at a Medicare Advantage-affiliated gym. During the event, Coalition members discussed the practicality of Medicare Advantage with Rep. Gianforte.

Greg, a Coalition member and manager of the gym, kicked off the event by discussing the importance of Medicare Advantage programs like SilverSneakers, which help keep Americans 65+ healthy at no additional cost. Lynn, another Coalition member, shared that Medicare Advantage allows Americans 65+ to stay active instead of encouraging them to “watch TV all day in a nursing home.” Rep. Gianforte’s sentiment could not be more spot-on: “the program keeps people healthy, saves people money, and provides better benefits – who can argue with that?”

The following day in Belgrade, Coalition members met with Sen. Daines for a SilverSneakers class and in-depth discussion about their experiences with Medicare Advantage. During the discussion, Coalition members highlighted the program’s affordability, preventive care services, and all-in-one approach to coverage.

For example, Coalition member Mark spoke to the importance of the annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses. A scoliosis patient, Mark’s condition has warranted serious in-patient procedures and treatments, all of which were covered under his Medicare Advantage plan.

The local media attended both events. The Great Falls Tribune, ABC Fox Montana, and the local CBS affiliate covered the Coalition for Medicare Choices event with Rep. Gianforte. the Congressman also highlighted the event on his Facebook page, noting that he will “keep standing up for…Medicare Advantage.” Our event with Sen. Daines was covered by the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, and we thank the Senator for sharing pictures from the event on his Facebook and Twitter profiles.

The Coalition for Medicare Choices appreciates both Rep. Gianforte’s and Sen. Daines’ support for the Medicare Advantage program. We commend them for their efforts thus far and urge them to continue defending the program.