Letter: Medicare Advantage is a lifeline for seniors

Originally published in Central Maine

The past two years have made many of us painfully aware of our personal health and our health care coverage. For vulnerable populations, such as those of us 65 and over, we have been especially mindful of how our coverage keeps us safe and protected. While many seniors continue to struggle with this, those of us enrolled in Medicare Advantage don’t face the same concerns.

After enrolling in my Medicare Advantage plan, I have never had to worry about my health being taken care of. Because of the extensive benefits I can access, I have all of my preventative and reactive needs covered. Whether it be accessing companion care or at-home caregiver support, using my integrated vision, dental, and hearing benefits, or signing up for wellness programs and gym classes, Medicare Advantage covers all of my needs, and my coverage plan is incredibly easy to navigate.

In addition to Medicare Advantage delivering more benefits and services than a typical plan, it does so for a better price, too. With an average premium of just $19 a month, Medicare Advantage is far and away the most affordable health care coverage available to seniors. Given that 44% of the Maine population are considered seniors, I hope that Sen. Angus King will keep us in mind as he legislates in Congress, and that he will continue to advocate for Medicare Advantage.

Linda Twitchell