Medicare Advantage: What Lawmakers Are Saying

December 16, 2021

Over 27 million seniors and people with disabilities choose Medicare Advantage for high-quality, affordable health care coverage. 94% of seniors with Medicare Advantage are satisfied with their coverage, and the program holds bipartisan support among lawmakers as well.

Throughout the year, Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) members have been engaging their Members of Congress to discuss why Medicare Advantage is such an important program. Here’s what some lawmakers had to say:

California Rep. Josh Harder explained the importance of Medicare Advantage in providing quality care to the senior community. He said, “every senior deserves access to the care they need, and nobody should break the bank in order to afford it. Tens of thousands of seniors in the valley rely on Medicare Advantage programs for quality and affordable care.”

During a conversation with several Michigan Coalition members, Rep. Dan Kildee shared with the group, “I, along with the vast majority of my colleagues, have signed letters opposing cuts to Medicare Advantage.”

In a meeting with several of our California CMC members, Rep. Nanette Barragán told the group that she will continue to advocate for them, saying, “I have been very supportive of efforts making sure not to have any cuts to Medicare and we’ll continue those efforts.”

Rep. Chris Pappas told our New Hampshire coalition members how appreciative he was to hear their stories, saying, “These personal stories really do make a difference when I am talking to my colleagues and leadership about important issues like [Medicare Advantage].”

While meeting with Minnesota Coalition members, Rep. Angie Craig thanked the group for their efforts to protect Medicare Advantage and said, “I am super grateful to the organization (CMC), and to all of you for your advocacy.”

During a conversation with our Georgia Coalition members, Sen. Raphael Warnock told the group, “I’m opposed to any cuts to Medicare Advantage.” He went on to say, “I believe in health care. We will fight for Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid.”

While discussing the benefits of Medicare Advantage with our Georgia Coalition members, Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux shared, “I am opposed to any cuts to Medicare and Medicare Advantage.”

In an op-ed published in The San Antonio Express News, Rep. Henry Cuellar said, “I have long been an advocate for promoting the independence and well-being of seniors. Part of that effort comes from promoting health programs that assist seniors with all aspects of their health, from preventative care to recovery. That is why I am a staunch supporter of Medicare Advantage – the only program available to seniors that provides them with full-service coverage at a low cost.”

Medicare Advantage provides seniors and those with disabilities better services, better access to care, and better value, which is why Members of Congress continue to advocate for this essential program.

To hear what Medicare Advantage members are saying about this essential health coverage, visit our Stories page.