Letter: Letter to the editor

Originally posted in Senior Spectrum Magazine

Last November I had a total hip replacement. This could have a been a huge financial, as well as physical burden but I was pain free and active in a few weeks. I started skiing again in mid-January this year. In addition to a great doctor what made it affordable and provided a quick recovery was my Medicare Advantage Plan.

Not only are my co-pays low (free when I see my primary care provider) but the surgery only cost me a few hundred dollars and I don’t even pay a monthly premium to an insurance company. The plan provides a free gym membership and other workout tools that helped sped up my recovery. I also receive a generous quarterly “over the counter” credit which even pays for my protein powder in addition to supplies needed for other non-prescription supplies.

I originally had a Medicare Supplement and paid a monthly premium. It didn’t give me the several thousand dollars a year for dental care, free vision check-ups and an allowance for glasses or contacts. I even get a credit card when I get routine screenings and vaccinations.

It means a lot to have a healthcare plan that focuses on my overall health. Not everyone can be as passionate as I am about health care coverage, but I really love my Medicare Advantage plan, as those around keep me hearing! Plans and providers vary but I encourage all my friends to look into its coverage. As we get older, it gets harder and harder to find quality, inexpensive healthcare plans.

It’s an election year and I know that politicians are paying extra attention to the needs of constituents, particularly seniors. I really hope that Senator Rosen and Senator Cortez-Masto will continue to support Medicare Advantage programs, so that more Nevadans can receive the benefits from these great plans!