Coalition Members Virtually Meet with Senator Alex Padilla’s Office

6 members of the Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) from California recently met with staff from Senator Alex Padilla’s office. They shared how their Medicare Advantage plans have supported them and provided them with peace of mind during the COVID-19 crisis.

Coalition member Violeta started the meeting by sharing a story about how she had to have blood drawn and was told it was $100; as soon as she showed her Medicare Advantage card, she was told that her out-of-pocket costs were free. She also shared that her husband is facing double knee surgery in the next few weeks, which is stressful considering their age, but their Medicare Advantage plan will:

• Allow them to choose an excellent surgeon 
• Cover his rehab and physical therapy treatments 
• Cover his prescription drugs

This is a huge relief for them. Violeta noted that their prescription drugs have been delivered directly to their home during the pandemic when they have been trying to avoid going out as much as possible. She closed by saying, “For me, it’s a treasure. I really want to thank God and I really want to ask you, if it’s in your hands, to do everything you can to help seniors. The value of this program, I think, is excellent.”

Another Coalition member Steven spoke about his experiences with Medicare Advantage when he contracted COVID-19. Knowing that he had a great Medicare Advantage plan that gave him quality health care at an affordable price provided Steven with a great deal of peace of mind. Unfortunately, Steven’s COVID-19 symptoms were severe, and he needed extensive treatments for his recovery. It all would have been very expensive for him, but thankfully his treatment and care were covered by his Medicare Advantage plan. “As my primary physician and specialists are helping me work through this, it’s indeed comforting to know that Medicare Advantage continues to be there to relieve the anxiety over the cost of my additional and ongoing care… One thing I’m certain of is that I can count on my Medicare Advantage plan being there every step of the way.”

Coalition member Robert shared a similar story to Steven’s. He suffered numerous major medical issues, and Medicare Advantage has always been a tremendous help. He spoke about previously having serious health issues, but now that he has Medicare Advantage, he has peace of mind. Robert has rheumatoid arthritis, which requires regular treatment and prescription medication. His medications are delivered to him at home and would be very expensive if not for his Medicare Advantage plan. Today, he believes Medicare Advantage has kept him alive.

Lastly, Coalition member Martha shared that her social security benefits alone cannot cover her medical expenses and she relies on her Medicare Advantage plan to meet her health needs, giving her peace of mind. She likes the fact that she doesn’t have co-pays and that she was able to keep her same specialist. Martha closed with sharing the importance of audio-only telehealth. She noted that not everyone has the technology and physical ability to participate in video calls with their doctors, but we can reduce this health disparity by supporting the Ensuring Parity in MA for Audio-Only Telehealth Act. She asked Senator Padilla to co-sponsor the bill.

The CMC is grateful to Senator Padilla’s office for meeting with our Coalition members and hearing why they love Medicare Advantage.