Letter: Medicare Advantage provides extensive benefits

Originally published in the Las Vegas Sun

As a senior, keeping up strong healthy habits isn’t always easy.

I have been fortunate to be in good health the past many years, but like anyone I appreciate a little help to stay in shape. Fortunately, my health care coverage provides that extra support.

Medicare Advantage is a wonderful program that provides supplemental health coverage to seniors and individuals with disabilities through a public-private partnership with insurers. This allows beneficiaries like me to access all of the benefits associated with original Medicare while also taking on many additional bonuses, all for a low price.

The program puts a serious emphasis on preventative care, something I appreciate as I try to avoid serious health challenges.

Through my Medicare Advantage plan, I’ve been able to access a free gym membership and receive gift card rewards for attending the gym, as well as free annual eyeglasses prescription and a vision check. I also get a hearing checkup, twice-yearly basic dental cleanings and free vitamins and supplements. And that’s just the tip of the benefits.

Beyond this, the price of a Medicare Advantage plan adds an extra boost to how great this program is. Because of my regular exercise habits, I receive a $50 credit toward my premium, and so I only pay around $120 a month for my insurance. You would be hard-pressed to find a group of people who pay so little. On top of the low premiums, Medicare Advantage also puts a cap on out-of-pocket costs, which means that enrolled seniors will never have a surprise medical expense leaving them concerned about if they can afford the treatment they need.

Nobody should ever have to worry if they can afford the health care they need or if they will be able to access the services, they want to stay healthy – and because of Medicare Advantage, now seniors don’t have to. Especially for vulnerable senior populations, including those who come from minority communities or are low-income, Medicare Advantage is making all the difference in giving everyone equal access to good health.

I think you can tell from my experience that I love my Medicare Advantage plan, and I’m grateful every day to be supported by such comprehensive coverage. Now what I am asking is that members of Congress, including Rep. Steven Horsford, to hear stories like mine and remember that constituents are counting on them to continue being champions for Medicare Advantage.

Rahim Khiavi is a retired professor living in North Las Vegas.