Dorothea Monroe letter: Medicare Advantage is great for seniors

For many seniors like myself, 2020 was tough because we’re more susceptible to COVID-19.

Luckily, I didn’t contract COVID-19 but I knew that if I did my Medicare Advantage would have my back.

When the crisis hit, Medicare Advantage plans took action by eliminating cost-sharing for both COVID-19 testing and any costs resulting from treatment needed for COVID-19. And now that the vaccine is being administered, they are fully covering the cost of that as well.

Other benefits that Medicare Advantage plans provided to keep seniors healthy and provide them with peace of mind during the pandemic included telehealth visits with doctors, virtual fitness classes, prescription drug and grocery delivery, and mental health services for those suffering at home.

I had peace of mind knowing that my Medicare Advantage plan would have my back during this crisis because a few years ago, I had both a stroke and had to have my knee replaced. And in both cases, my out-of-pocket costs were low.

As a Texan who has benefitted so much from my Medicare Advantage plan, I am asking Texas’ Members of Congress to protect and strengthen this valuable program for years to come. Over 1.7 million seniors in Texas are relying on you!

— Dorothea Monroe, Haskell

Originally published in the Abilene Reporter News