CMC Seniors Advocate to Protect Their MA

Advocates from the Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) activated across the country to thank their members of Congress for supporting and protecting Medicare Advantage. CMC seniors completed 28 meetings with their congressional representatives to share their stories and present lawmakers with certificates and letters of support for their commitment to protect Medicare Advantage.

Why it matters: Harmful policy changes to the Medicare Advantage program threaten to destabilize the coverage and care of more than 33 million seniors and people with disabilities.

What they’re saying:  

CMC senior Bill Milam met with Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to present her with a certificate to recognize her long-time commitment to protecting the program.

• “Millions of Americans rely on Medicare Advantage, and the program includes everything seniors need to stay on top of our health, from a broad network of providers to supplemental benefits and prescription drug coverage,” Bill said. “Also, Medicare Advantage plans offer low monthly premiums and a cap on out-of-pocket expenses, which helps West Virginia seniors maximize the value of our health care.”

CMC advocate Wayde Hall presented Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL-9) with a certificate and applauded him for backing Medicare Advantage for beneficiaries in Florida and nationwide.

• “From Medicare Advantage beneficiaries to their caregivers and loved ones, we have all witnessed the transformational care this program can provide,” Wayde said. “From preventative services to wraparound supplemental benefits, Medicare Advantage helps maintain and even improve quality of life for both seniors and people with disabilities. With Rep. Soto’s support, this program will continue to deliver for those who need it most.”

Similarly, CMC senior Rob Wolf presented Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY-2) with a certificate to thank him for his ongoing support of Medicare Advantage – especially in the face of potential harmful policy changes to the program.

• “Thousands of Kentucky seniors depend on Medicare Advantage to access the health care we need, so it’s imperative that we recognize just how impactful this program is for our daily health and long-term wellbeing,” Rob said. “With Rep. Guthrie in our corner, we must stand up and defend Medicare Advantage against potential changes to keep the program we seniors know and love.”

CMC senior David Marr met with Minority Whip Katherine Clark’s (D-MA-5) Outreach Manager Jay Higgins in Clark’s district office. David shared his personal Medicare Advantage story, explaining that he has seen the value of the program firsthand as a caregiver for his mother.

• “Medicare Advantage was a beacon of hope for our family. The program ensured that she could afford quality health care and medications while providing access to robust benefits that guided my hand in caring for her,” David said. “These benefits significantly improved her quality of life and were immensely supportive as I navigated her senior years while working full-time.”

The bottom line: From CMC members to their elected officials in Washington, Medicare Advantage supporters are showing up and continuing the fight for the program. With this dedication, Medicare Advantage can continue to deliver lower costs and better health outcomes for the more than 33 million Americans who depend on it.