Coalition Members Meet Virtually with the Office of Representative Sanchez

Four members of the Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) recently met virtually with the office of Representative Linda Sanchez (D-CA-38) to discuss how Medicare Advantage connects seniors and people with disabilities with dependable, high-quality health care.

Representative Sanchez’s staff began the meeting by sharing how important health care is to the Congresswoman. They noted that “the Congresswoman has always been a strong supporter of Medicare Advantage, and we understand the impact that is has on the district.”

Coalition member Robert shared that when he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis “Medicare Advantage helped me get rehab, helped me get prescription medications and access to the specialist I needed.” He noted that he has been able to see the same specialist since his diagnosis. He added how that Medicare Advantage was also helpful throughout the pandemic, giving him peace of mind that everything he needed would be taken care of, providing transportation, food, and other services. He closed by saying “Medicare Advantage has saved my life. I wouldn’t be living without it. Medicare Advantage is really needed.”

Coalition member Ana then told her story in Spanish. She said that she is grateful for the benefits Medicare Advantage provides, and that the transportation services have been essential in allowing her to see her doctors. Because she is living on a fixed income, dental and vision coverage would be unaffordable to her without Medicare Advantage. She added, “I really enjoy my Medicare Advantage plan and wouldn’t want it to be taken away.”

Liz, a health care advocate, explained that she works to help seniors determine the best coverage options and find a health care plan that fits their needs. She often suggests Medicare Advantage because of the great benefits, and low cost.

Caroline, another Coalition member, explained that she has seen firsthand the additional services that members are able to access through Medicare Advantage. She went on to say that it’s crucial to protect funding for health care programs, especially those like Medicare Advantage that provide a lifeline to the Latinx community.

Representative Sanchez’s staff thanked everyone for sharing their stories and said, “hearing from you is what drives a lot of what the Congresswoman is fighting for in Washington.” They recognized that Medicare Advantage covers many seniors in the district and it’s important to know the program is helping so many people. They also added that it was clear the supplemental benefits go beyond just treating people when sick.

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