Letter: Thankful for health coverage

Originally published in the Grand Rapids Business Journal 

Throughout my career as an educator, I was always supported by strong health care coverage. So, I was a little worried when I retired from Grand Rapids Public Schools that I would no longer be able to access the benefits and services I had relied on for decades.

I am thankful every day that I chose to enroll in Medicare Advantage, which has provided me with phenomenal coverage and an array of care services that I can access through my plan. Not only am I able to access treatments and benefits, but Medicare Advantage operates as a convenient one-stop shop for all my health care needs. I never have to worry about being bogged down in complicated paperwork or insurance terminology — when I want to access a benefit, I know exactly what to do and who to contact should I have a question.

My coverage also comes at an affordable cost, but that could be threatened if cuts are made to the program. Even a slight change to Medicare Advantage could mean premiums will rise. For those of us on limited incomes, price changes could make care unaffordable. I hope that Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Sen. Gary Peters will continue their advocacy for senior health and stand up against any proposed cuts to this program.

Anne Krenselewski

Grand Rapids