Coalition Members Meet Virtually with the Office of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer

New York members of the Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) recently met with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s office to discuss how Medicare Advantage provides them with high-quality care at an affordable price.

Coalition member Dona kicked off the meeting by explaining she is passionate about Medicare Advantage because she has seen a real difference in the quality of her care. She went on to add, “it is so reassuring that so many services are available through Medicare Advantage at any time.” The variety of services offered through Medicare Advantage, she explained, is one of the key reasons why she enrolled, as well as the predictability of costs and peace of mind her plan provides. She asked that Majority Leader Schumer do everything he can to protect Medicare Advantage as any changes to the program could cause benefits to be cut and her health care costs to increase.

Another coalition member, Laura, told the group that she relies on Medicare Advantage for all of her health care services, but is particularly grateful for the dental, vision, and hearing benefits. She said she feels as though Medicare Advantage is truly looking out for her needs, explaining that “during the height of the pandemic, Medicare Advantage covered telehealth and prescription delivery services, allowing me to access all necessary treatments from the safety of my home.” She thanked Majority Leader Schumer for being a champion for seniors and reiterated that his work to protect Medicare Advantage is important to his constituents.

Coalition member Dan told the group that prior to retiring, he worked in Washington, D.C., for over 30 years and is a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. Although he has witnessed political debates throughout his career, Dan expressed that when health care is on the line, these conversations become far more personal. He said that as a Medicare Advantage member he is grateful to have access to his doctors and preferred health care team.

Coalition member Pat then shared that she enrolled in Medicare Advantage when she retired. While there were several health care options to choose from, Medicare Advantage offered the best care at the best price. She added that Medicare Advantage is extremely accessible, and encouraged Majority Leader Schumer’s office to “continue supporting this program and not permit any cuts to funding.”

Majority Leader Schumer’s staff thanked everyone for their time and for sharing their stories, and told the group that Senator Schumer is a big supporter of Medicare Advantage and that the Senator will be glad to know his constituents are happy with their health care.

The CMC is grateful to the office of Majority Leader Schumer for meeting with our coalition members and hearing more about their positive experiences with Medicare Advantage.