Letter to the editor

Originally published in the Post and Courier

Dear Editor,

Five years ago, when I needed knee surgery, I moved to South Carolina to be near my daughter. Despite the emotional toll it took on me to leave my home, longtime friends, and active lifestyle in Virginia Beach, it has been worth it to be near my daughter.

In South Carolina, it was important to me to integrate myself into my new community, as living an active lifestyle is extremely important to me. I quickly enrolled in Silver Sneakers, which is a benefit offered to me through my Medicare Advantage program. Since joining, I have been fortunate to find friends that lead similar lifestyles.

When I enrolled in my health care plan in 1998, I assumed I would have general coverage — but I was not expecting the additional benefits that have made a tremendous impact on my life. I can honestly say that without the extra benefits afforded to me through my Medicare Advantage plan, my transition to my new life in South Carolina would not have been as seamless.

After experiencing the positives my benefits have brought to my life, I can only support lawmakers who support and fund the needs of the senior community i.e., Medicare Advantage. I sincerely hope that there are no cuts to the program in the future.

Sincerely,

Audrey Fortner

Ladson, South Carolina