Coalition Members Celebrate 20 Years of Advocating for Medicare Advantage

Pat Braden and Frank Little—2 of the Coalition’s most well-spoken members—shared how Medicare Advantage impacted their lives during a reception on Capitol Hill. The reception was a Coalition-sponsored event to celebrate the Coalition for Medicare Choice’s 20^th anniversary.

Traveling from Lebanon, PA, Pat shared how Medicare Advantage helped her receive timely care services.  “I had a hip, shoulder, and cataract surgery done in 3 months. I didn’t have to wait, and it was paid by Medicare Advantage,” Pat shared during the event.

Every day, the program delivers better services, better access to care, and better value, to millions like Pat so they have access to the care they need when they need it.

Frank Little, form Virginia Beach, VA, spoke shortly after Pat and shared how Medicare Advantage also helped him. After being diagnosed with cancer, Frank relied on Medicare Advantage to obtain the reliable care he needed to stay healthy at a cost he could afford. “It was $12,500.00 to do the surgery, and my bill was nothing,” Frank said.

Additionally, Frank was grateful to find out that Medicare Advantage allowed him to stay with his same doctor—something he would not have been able to do with a traditional Medicare plan. “Medicare Advantage saved my life… I wouldn’t be standing here today,” he mentioned.

At the event, Representative Larry Bucshon (IN-8)  made a special guest appearance. He was presented with an official 2019 Medicare Advantage Champion certificate by Coalition members and was invited to share a few words about the program. “Providing beneficiaries with better choices and access leads to improved health care outcomes, and that’s why I continue to be an advocate for Medicare Advantage,” Rep. Bucshon said.

Today, more than 23 million Americans like Pat and Frank are covered by Medicare Advantage. This year marked 20 years of protecting and strengthening the program for the Coalition for Medicare Choices. The reception gave everyone who has helped along the way —hill staffers, advocates, and members of Congress—a chance to celebrate and pledge to continue to keep the program safe for years to come.