Letter: Medicare Advantage has bipartisan support for a reason

Originally published in the Hillsboro Times

During my time as a state representative and senator one of the most rewarding parts of my job was visiting people in the community and talking to them about the programs and policies that made a meaningful impact in their lives.

One program that citizens cite that has delivered for them and their loved ones again and again is Medicare Advantage. For the senior residents in Washington County, especially in a post-pandemic era, people are emphasizing health, wellness and having access to quality care. They are grateful to have the ability to choose Medicare Advantage, which has helped many older Oregonians center healthy lifestyles.

The over 440,000 Oregon seniors and individuals with disabilities that rely on Medicare Advantage have benefits that allow them to proactively stay healthy. If a senior wants to stay active and fit, Medicare Advantage provides gym memberships, virtual fitness classes and wellness programs. On the other hand, if an enrollee needs in-home caregiver support, access to telehealth services, or a prescription delivery service, Medicare Advantage delivers in that arena too.

These supplemental benefits are in coordination with all the traditional health benefits people need, which is why the satisfaction rates for the program are so high and why the diversity of the program is so strong. Ninety-three percent of enrollees are satisfied with Medicare Advantage and it also covers a more racially diverse population than traditional Medicare. Medicare Advantage enrollment is also growing among rural populations (3.7 million rural Americans are currently served), which is a good sign for those rural Oregonians who have historically struggled to receive quality care.

When I was a member of the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services, I ardently supported Medicare Advantage because investing in the program greatly improved the scope of health care for some of the most vulnerable in our society – all at low costs for the participants. I am thrilled to see that average Medicare Advantage premiums in 2023 are dropping again to only $18 a month.

Moving forward, I will continue to be an advocate for Medicare Advantage within my community and I hope to see the same from other elected officials.

I want end by congratulating all the new members of the Oregon delegation who recently won their political contests. After serving in the Legislature with Congresswoman-elect Salinas, I know she will bring a practical, common-sense approach to Oregon and support policies that benefit our seniors and individuals with disabilities in her district. My wish is that all of Oregon’s representatives at the federal level continue to do the same, so that Medicare Advantage has the investment and support it needs to deliver for its enrollees.

I also urge those citizens who love their Medicare Advantage plans to let your representatives know of your satisfaction and that you encourage the sustainment of the program in the future.

Chuck Riley is retired state senator and representative from Oregon