Coalition Members Virtually Meet with Representative Tony Cárdenas

9 members of the Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) recently met with Representative Tony Cárdenas and his staff. During the virtual meeting, Coalition members shared with Representative Cárdenas what they love about their Medicare Advantage plans. This included the little to no out-of-pocket costs, and how Medicare Advantage took care of Americans 65+ during the COVID-19 crisis, such as through home delivery of prescription drugs.  

Coalition member Violeta spoke about the many benefits she has received from Medicare Advantage. This includes the low cost for her prescription medication, which she has received via home delivery during the COVID-19 crisis. She also shared that when her husband was due to have surgery, she wasn’t worried about the cost because of his Medicare Advantage coverage.   

Coalition member Robert noted that he has needed a number of expensive medications, which are fully covered by his Medicare Advantage plan. He, too, has received his medications through home delivery during the COVID-19 crisis. Robert told the group, “I’m living proof of what can happen when you have Medicare Advantage.” 

Coalition members Carmelita and Pablo shared that their Medicare Advantage plan covered the cost of numerous surgeries, including an open-heart surgery. They had no out-of-pocket costs, which provided them with peace of mind. They also spoke about how having access to transportation benefits through Medicare Advantage has helped them get to their doctor appointments.  

Coalition members Keith and Mario work with Americans 65+ and shared how Americans 65+ receive comprehensive, coordinated care through their Medicare Advantage plans. They also spoke about the importance of comprehensive care when it comes to taking care of seniors. Lastly, they emphasized that telehealth, including audio-only telehealth, should continue to be offered so that Americans 65+ can continue to access care when they can’t access in-person care.  

Our Coalition members also thanked Representative Cárdenas for his support of the Ensuring Parity in MA and PACE for Audio-Only Telehealth Act. 

After hearing our Coalition members’ stories, Rep. Cárdenas told the group, “Those are the kinds of stories we need to hear from every person in America… thank you for reminding me how critical it is that people like you can be here because you got the health care that you deserve.” 

The CMC is grateful to Representative Cárdenas for meeting with our Coalition members, and for his continued support of Medicare Advantage as well as audio-only telehealth.