Coalition Members Meet with Representative Gallagher

Five members of the Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) recently met with Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI-08) at his district office. They shared their experiences with the high-quality, affordable health coverage Medicare Advantage provides to seniors and individuals with disabilities.

“Every year, I evaluate my options in selecting coverage. And every year, it has been clear Medicare Advantage is the best option for me and my husband,” said Marian, a coalition member who shared her background in health care. Marian added that she particularly enjoys the preventive care that is included at no cost. She said her plan also covers the cost for many over-the-counter purchases. “People really need to understand the value in health care,” Marian noted in closing.  “Medicare Advantage is a great way to see that.”

Victoria, another Coalition member, said that Medicare Advantage is clearly the best option when she evaluates her health care choices every year. When she had a medical issue that required expert care, she said it was easy for her to find a qualified doctor who was covered by Medicare Advantage in Milwaukee. Victoria said she has been incredibly impressed by the service representatives with Medicare Advantage, adding that they are “great to work with and took time to fully answer my questions.”

Tom is a veteran, and despite being able to access services through the VA, he said he prefers his Medicare Advantage benefits and coverage. His wife is a retired nurse, and Tom said she “spent a lot of time reviewing options for Medicare and thought Medicare Advantage was the best option.” Tom suffers from a medical condition but said it has been very easy to get medical treatments and attend appointments. He agreed with Victoria that his Medicare Advantage service representatives always answer his questions.

Coalition member Jim shared that he is “incredibly happy with [his] coverage.” Jim said he especially appreciates the access to both vision and dental care with Medicare Advantage. Despite both Jim and his wife going to the emergency room earlier this year, he said their costs were minimal thanks to Medicare Advantage. Jim added that he encourages his friends to switch to Medicare Advantage.

Gerry, another Coalition member, told the group that Medicare Advantage has saved him money. “Medicare Advantage covers things that ultimately save money. Things like preventative care or in-home services,” he said. “You don’t get that with original Medicare.” Gerry had two operations in the last 15 months but said he had great coverage and is now feeling great. Gerry added that his wife plans to enroll as soon as she is eligible.

Representative Gallagher thanked the seniors for sharing their stories and told the group, “I am a big fan of Medicare Advantage and will do what I can to be helpful to the program.”

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