Letter: “I am Forever Thankful for My Medicare Advantage Plan”

Originally published in Bangor Daily News

When I retired after a full career with the phone company, there were many questions about what kind of health care coverage I would receive once I retired and no longer got full-time benefits. After doing my research, I enrolled in Medicare Advantage. This plan allows me to be able tailor it to fit my healthcare needs, while concentrating on the importance of preventative care. Medicare Advantage offers me comprehensive care and the assurance that all services I might need will be affordable, thanks to a cap on out-of-pocket costs.

Now that we are in the midst of a global pandemic, I am forever thankful for my Medicare Advantage Plan. Last year, I tested positive for COVID-19 and it was a very difficult time, but having quality healthcare helped me fully recover.

Older Mainers like me need Medicare Advantage to allow us to continue living full, healthy lives. Don’t just take it from me: roughly  40 percent of Medicare beneficiaries in Maine are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, and that number continues to grow. Whatever services you might need, Medicare Advantage offers a range of coverage options that allow seniors to tailor their personal care.

With all the benefits this program has provided, I hope that Sen. Angus King and others in Congress will continue the fight to protect and strengthen Medicare Advantage. Without this program, people over 65 across Maine might lose access to affordable healthcare coverage.

Ben Twitchell

Winslow