What They’re Saying: Medicare Advantage Works for Seniors & People with Disabilities

Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) members across the country are telling their stories about Medicare Advantage’s high-quality, affordable health care coverage. Because of Medicare Advantage, seniors and people with disabilities can access comprehensive benefits and services at a price they can afford.

CMC members have published opinion pieces in media outlets across the nation, underscoring the importance of protecting Medicare Advantage. Here’s what they’re saying:

In the Arizona Capital Times, Coalition member and Arizona State Representative Jennifer discusses how Medicare Advantage helped her get back on her feet after she suffered from a gunshot wound. She wrote, “At a time when I felt instability, Medicare Advantage became one thing I could count on. Even with the change in my family’s financial situation, the low premiums and cap on out-of-pocket costs meant that I was still able to afford my medication and treatments. Now, my life and health has steadied. Without my coverage, it is hard to imagine my recovery would have gone so well.”

Coalition member Nancy wrote to The Herald Dispatch saying, “For a state like West Virginia, which has some of the worst health statistics in the country, it is important to have programs that help manage a patient’s health, not just the current episode of care. […] Many times, an episode of care is caused by a manageable health condition not being monitored and dealt with in a timely manner. […] The care management/case management provided by the Medicare Advantage programs may identify the problem prior to it becoming a health crisis.” Her piece was republished in 3 additional outlets in West Virginia.

Writing in The Philadelphia Tribune, CMC advocate and Philadelphia city councilwoman Katherine highlighted how Medicare Advantage addressed how Medicare Advantage is tackling health disparities among minority communities. She writes, “40% of Medicare Advantage enrollees make less than $25,000 per year and about 9 million enrollees have an income below 200% of the poverty level. Many individuals who are enrolled in the program might not be able to afford the out-of-pocket costs associated with other plans. In addition to breaking down socio-economic barriers, Medicare Advantage covers a more racially diverse population than original Medicare. Nearly half of all racial and ethnic minorities eligible for original Medicare choose to enroll in Medicare Advantage.”

In the New Hampshire Union Leader, CMC member Roger, the former Insurance Commissioner of the state, explains the high favorability of Medicare Advantage among beneficiaries, noting that, “The numbers tell an impressive story: Medicare Advantage provides service coverage to nearly a quarter of all New Hampshire seniors on Medicare. […] A recent consumer survey showed 94% of Medicare Advantage users were satisfied with the plan and the help it provides in cutting costs and accessing medical services.”

Coalition member Sharon expressed her gratitude for the affordability of Medicare Advantage’s extensive benefits and services. She wrote, “Whether it be integrated dental, hearing, and vision benefits, prescription drug coverage, in-home care support, transportation cost coverage, or grocery planning and deliveries, Medicare Advantage has found a way to meet the varied needs of the senior community while keeping down costs” in The Oakland Press.

Judith, CEO of the New Jersey State Nurses Association, shared with NJ.com that “Medicare Advantage has played a crucial role in connecting seniors with quality health care without asking them to overextend financially. Medicare Advantage premiums have consistently decreased, and in 2022 the average senior is expected to pay just $19 per month for their premium.”

Roxanne, coalition member and Associate Vice President of older adult services at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, recently wrote in the Duluth News Tribune about the impact of Medicare Advantage, saying, “Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota sees the positive impacts of Medicare Advantage on our community firsthand. Seniors are having to make fewer emergency-room visits; and thanks to the proactive goals of Medicare Advantage, seniors are identifying and treating chronic diseases earlier, resulting in fewer long-lasting effects.” The piece was published in 6 additional outlets across the state.

David, a Michigan Coalition member and physician, discussed how Medicare Advantage truly meets seniors’ needs. He said, “Medicare Advantage is far and away the best option for senior health care, as it provides extensive benefits to patients without asking them to bear the brunt of high costs. The financial security that Medicare Advantage allows is crucial, because many seniors live on fixed or limited incomes after retiring, and unexpected health costs can have a big impact on their finances. With capped out-of-pocket costs and low premiums, seniors rest assured knowing they will be able to afford the care that they need” in the Lansing City Pulse.

Coalition member and former Massachusetts State House Representative Frank wrote to Commonwealth Magazine saying, “My experience working with my fellow retirees, as well as politicians on both sides of the aisle, has only reinforced my belief that public officials should be doing everything in their power to protect programs like Medicare Advantage.”

In the Las Vegas Sun, CMC advocate and Las Vegas city councilman Stavros talked about how Medicare Advantage adapts to meet the needs of patients. He wrote, “During the height of the pandemic, Medicare Advantage met the concerns of their patients when they needed it most. By offering online doctors’ visits and telehealth services, Medicare Advantage helped to ensure high-risk communities had access to the medicines and treatments they relied on throughout the pandemic.”

The stories of our Coalition members are a testament to the many ways Medicare Advantage delivers better services, better access to care, and better value. 27 million seniors and people with disabilities across the country are counting on Congress to protect Medicare Advantage.