Nearly 16 million seniors and individuals with disabilities rely on Medicare Advantage coverage for high-quality, affordable, coordinated care. However, another round of proposed cuts to the program would result in these beneficiaries facing higher costs, reduced benefits, and fewer coverage options.
In Louisiana, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries would face premium increases and benefit reductions of more than $120 per month, according to new data from Oliver Wyman. To protect the affordable, high-quality care that Medicare Advantage provides to millions of Louisianans, seniors from AHIP’s Coalition for Medicare Choices shared their Medicare Advantage stories with Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy and Rep. Steve Scalise, who recently signed bipartisan House and Senate letters to protect seniors.
Below are several Coalition members in Louisiana who would feel the impacts of additional cuts. Here’s why their Medicare Advantage coverage matters so much:
– Judy Kemp of Metairie, LA:
“I believe my plan helps me attain a better standard of living because its programs reduce stress and hassle. It covers everything! It is important to me that my plan and others like it are protected by Congress for my family and my health.”
– Velva Flot of Slidell, LA:
“I have been a Medicare Advantage beneficiary since 2005. I’m completely happy with the doctors, clinics, hospitals and labs associated with the program, especially since I have a chronic eye disease that requires regular visits.”
– Ricky Flot of Slidell, LA:
“As a member for 11 years, I can honestly say I have been thoroughly pleased with the service through Medicare Advantage. I have been able to stay with the same doctors and hospitals since I joined, which is important since I have a chronic illness. They have saved me a great deal of stress.”
– Evelyn Warnken of Metairie, LA:
“I have been a Medicare Advantage member for more than 10 years. It is important to me and my husband. It promotes family and good health.”
– Patricia Bedenbaugh of Metairie, LA
“I joined Medicare Advantage five years ago because I wanted prescription drug coverage. I am pleased with my doctors, the co-pay is affordable and I look forward to going to exercise classes when I am done with physical therapy for my knee. Before I hit the age of 65, my healthcare bill was more than $1,200 a month for me and my daughter, even though we had no preexisting conditions and took no medications. Medicare Advantage is a lifesaver for me now that I am retired.”
As CMS prepares to finalize payment rates for next year, a growing number of voices are asking the agency to protect seniors like those featured above and millions others from further cuts to their benefits. The voices of bipartisan majorities in Congress, providers, stakeholders, and seniors from across the country are warning of the consequences the proposed cuts would have for beneficiaries. Final payment rates will be released on April 6, 2015.