Coalition Members Meet Virtually with Representative Stanton

Five members of the Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) recently met with Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ-09) to discuss how Medicare Advantage provides seniors and individuals with disabilities the high-quality, affordable care they deserve.

Representative Stanton began the meeting by sharing that his father is on Medicare Advantage, saying he “would be very upset with me if I did anything to take away his Medicare Advantage. He is a happy Medicare Advantage recipient. I have both a policy, as well as a family, interest in keeping the program strong.”

State Representative Jennifer shared that she was paralyzed in a drive-by shooting and enrolled in Medicare Advantage after the accident. She said, “For me, it [Medicare Advantage] was a pathway back to health. Because I had access to these incredible programs – from things like Silver Sneakers and home meals and over-the-counter prescription assistance and so many other things – helped me develop the stable health I needed again to become active in the community. It’s an incredibly successful program that helps so many folks.”

Later in the conversation, Jennifer added, “I know that you’re fighting for us, Congressman, and I know we’re in good hands with you there taking care of us.”

Coalition member Arlyne cares for her mother, who is diabetic, and recently moved in with her. Arlyne explained that her mother was on original Medicare and “was paying about $600 a month and her finances were such that it was no longer affordable.” Since switching to Medicare Advantage, her mother has found the care to be affordable and exceptional. Arlyne added that when her mother experienced several health issues, “home care came to the house, and physical therapists came to the house, and a nurse checked in every week. Medicare Advantage has been a phenomenal experience overall and a great savings.”

April, another Coalition member, told the group that when it comes to Medicare Advantage, “people with disabilities love this program because it gives people the option to really customize and create what they need to be independent. I know this is a program we think of as for seniors, but for many people with disabilities this is just a life-changing program.”

Coalition member Vicki discussed her hip replacement last year, saying, “Because of Medicare Advantage, I had this entire team behind me every step of the way. It was all done for me. I never lost sleep one minute.” Vicki said she especially appreciates the physical therapy and vision, dental, and hearing benefits, which she explained are important to maintaining independence and health.

Representative Stanton told the group that Medicare Advantage has strong bipartisan support in Congress. He added, “For my dad, SilverSneakers is his social network. He goes three or four times a week to the gym and takes exercise classes. They really develop good, close relationships that have meant a lot to him in his older years.”

The CMC is grateful to Representative Stanton for meeting with our Coalition members and for his continued support of Medicare Advantage.