Letter: Medicare Advantage is a boost to everyone

Originally published in the Beaverton Valley Times

It is amazing to see my former colleagues in the State Legislature, Andrea Salinas and Val Hoyle, become the newest members of the Oregon delegation in the U.S. Congress. And even more exciting, they are adding greater diversity to Congressional ranks, which currently has only 28% women!

I am confident that both their experience and understanding of Oregon’s needs will lead them to bolster policies that are beneficial and practical for all Oregonians. I hope this includes support of Medicare Advantage — a program that millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities rely on for quality health coverage, including myself.

Medicare Advantage offers its enrollees financial stability and desired services like dental, vision, and hearing coverage. The cap on out-of-pocket costs provides those living on fixed incomes peace of mind that any health emergencies will not be a massive financial strain.

As a former teacher and Oregon Education Association member, I was covered by a state health plan until recently. I can say my health coverage has not skipped a beat since enrolling in MA, which I did about a year ago. On top of all the traditional coverage, I am enjoying supplemental benefits like telehealth access, a gym membership and my prescription delivery service.

Going forward, policymakers like Rep.-elects Salinas and Hoyle should remember the value Medicare Advantage brings to seniors and support the longevity of the program.

Margaret Doherty, Tigard