Coalition Members Meet Virtually with the Office of Representative Kim

Three members of the Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) recently participated in a meeting with the office of Representative Young Kim (R-CA-39) where they discussed how Medicare Advantage provides better services, better access to care, and better value to seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Coalition member Robert kicked off the meeting by sharing about his  rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis while he was on original Medicare. His doctor encouraged him to get Medicare Advantage, and since enrolling Robert has had access to more doctors and rehabilitative care. Robert suffered vision loss from cataracts, but Medicare Advantage helped him get eye surgery to restore his sight. When he had a heart attack 10 years ago, Medicare Advantage covered the procedures he needed. “Medicare Advantage saved my life. It saves people’s lives,” he said. “I owe my health to Medicare Advantage.”

Jeanette, another Coalition member, said she loves the comprehensive care Medicare Advantage offers. “We are experiencing some of the best advantages from Medicare Advantage to take care of all those things we probably couldn’t afford without it,” she said. Thanks to Medicare Advantage, Jeanette was able to address her vision problems through cataract surgery with minimal costs. “It’s like a little miracle, that we have this. I can’t imagine what my life would be without it,” she said.

Representative Kim’s staff member asked the seniors how their Medicare Advantage coverage helped them during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jeanette explained that Medicare Advantage helped her get a COVID vaccine as soon as she was eligible. Robert added that he got a letter from his Medicare Advantage plan that expressed the plan’s commitment to taking care of their members during the pandemic. Coalition members discussed how Medicare Advantage offered grocery delivery, prescription delivery, transportation services, and telehealth as well.

Coalition member Sixta explained, “Medicare Advantage is a very good program for everyone who has medical problems. It’s good for all seniors – we need it.” When Sixta suffered a fall and injured her shoulder and hip, Medicare Advantage provided her with therapy at home, a walker, a shower seat, and has consistently checked in on her. She told the group, “I’m thankful for Medicare Advantage; without it, I wouldn’t have been able to afford any of this.”

Rep. Kim’s staff member also asked about the seniors’ experience with prescription drug costs.

Jeanette said she has had nothing but good experiences, highlighting that her asthma medication is almost completely covered and that she has no co-pay for her blood pressure medication. Robert said he takes eight medications, which he could not afford without Medicare Advantage. Sixta closed by saying that all costs for her five regular medications are covered.

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