Coalition Members Meet Virtually with the Office of Senator Hassan

December 22, 2021

Four members of the Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) recently participated in a virtual meeting with the office of Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) to discuss the critical role Medicare Advantage plays in providing high-quality health care to seniors and individuals with disabilities at a price they can afford.

Coalition member Scott said that his biggest takeaway for the Senator’s staff was to directly ask the Senator to support Medicare Advantage and oppose any cuts. He said, “this program is working, and the benefits are so obvious and easily measurable that any reduction would directly impact millions of seniors and disabled individuals across the country who rely on this health care option.”

Laurie, another Coalition member, echoed Scott, saying that any cuts to the program could result in individuals losing important services. She said, “Medicare Advantage and the additional services it provides — such as preventative care — improve and enhance the lives of the people who rely on that care. If you take that away, even in the form of reduction, services such as telehealth or even transportation won’t be available for these people. Medicine and nutritional services for people with disabilities are priceless for so many.” She added that Medicare Advantage is a great program because it “creates value and reduces costs.”

Deborah, a CMC advocate, shared that one of the benefits of Medicare Advantage is case management. “For those with Medicare Advantage plans, our caregivers can actually talk to their insurers and have meaningful conversations with Medicare Advantage representatives and really tap into the care offered to our seniors. For me that kind of case management piece and that ability to collaborate or tap into those preventative care programs Medicare Advantage offers really separates their plans from all the rest. They don’t just care about the immediate health care needs as of today, they invest and encourage people to take advantage of wellness programs and preventative care, which keeps people healthier longer and more engaged with their community.”

Joan, who is a State Representative, retired two years ago. She told the group that she paid less than $200 out-of-pocket for her recent cataract surgery. She went on to say, “I can’t say enough about Medicare Advantage, it’s just a wonderful program. Recently learning about all the wrap-around benefits Medicare Advantage offers, I have confidence they will help me stay healthy longer. It’s a really great program.”

Diane, another State Representative, highlighted that Medicare Advantage is a big selling point for attracting state employees. She said, “You all know how hard it is to attract and retain employees in this environment. So, to be able to offer Medicare Advantage as a benefit, however far down the road it may be, has been a selling point when trying to hire people at the state level.”

Senator Hassan’s staff closed the meeting by saying, “I want to thank you for having a conversation with us. These really contextualize the policy changes being discussed and how those decisions are felt here.”

The CMC is grateful to the office of Senator Hassan for meeting with our Coalition members.