Coalition Members Meet Virtually with Representative Bourdeaux

Four members of the Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) recently met virtually with Representative Carolyn Bourdeaux to discuss the importance of Medicare Advantage in providing seniors and those with disabilities high-quality, affordable health care.

Coalition member Martha kicked off the discussion explaining how Medicare Advantage has helped her and her husband. Medicare Advantage helps low-income seniors by offering great benefits with low out-of-pocket costs, allowing them to make health a priority. She added that she had to have a month’s worth of at-home injections and Medicare Advantage covered all the costs to have the services done at home, which made the process easier.

Martha’s husband Van shared that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and so exercise has been very important. Through Medicare Advantage, he has been able to attend Silver Sneakers classes and visit different gyms in Atlanta and in other cities when they travel.

After Representative Bourdeaux asked why the couple chose Medicare Advantage, Van explained it was because of all the special benefits the program offers, including hearing and vision benefits which allow them to access hearing aids and eyeglasses for a low cost. He added that gym benefits help him take care of his health by staying active.

Candace, another Coalition member, told the group that her Medicare Advantage plan proactively offered mental health benefits which she accessed through telemedicine. Because of the success she had with counseling, she felt confident in going back to work and now has a great job. She said that her Medicare Advantage plan also provided testing equipment so she could monitor and maintain her blood sugar levels from the comfort of her home.

Coalition member Dot noted that her favorite part about Medicare Advantage is the affordability, including low premiums which allow her to live within a budget. The price, along with the benefits she can access, have really improved her overall health.

Representative Bourdeaux told the group she was very appreciative of their time. She closed the meeting by saying, “I am opposed to any cuts to Medicare and Medicare Advantage.”

The CMC is grateful to the office of Representative Bourdeaux for meeting with our Coalition members and for her support of Medicare Advantage.