Letter: Cuts to Medicare Advantage would harm Arizonans with disabilities

Originally published in the Arizona Capitol Times

Ability360 is a Phoenix-area non-profit organization run by people with disabilities for people with disabilities – and for over four decades our focus has been to empower the community we serve.

That begins with connecting people with the comprehensive programs and services they need to improve their sense of independence, self-determination and security. Quality health care is an important part of this equation, and many Arizonans with disabilities depend on Medicare Advantage.

Medicare Advantage members have access to all of the preventative care, fitness programs, prescription drug coverage and other services they need to stay healthy. The program’s mission is the same as ours at Ability360 – to help Arizonans live as independently as possible and in control of their own care.

This is why we’re so concerned the Biden administration is proposing to cut $3 billion from Medicare Advantage in the coming year. If enacted, those funding reductions will hit hard the 30 million Americans – including over 600,000 Arizona seniors and individuals with disabilities – who depend on this important program.

Those of us at Ability360 ask that the Biden administration reject cuts to Medicare Advantage and continue to support this vital program.