Pennsylvania Coalition Members Virtually Meet with Representative Dwight Evans

Members from the Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) from Pennsylvania recently met virtually with Representative Dwight Evans. They shared how their Medicare Advantage plans took care of them during the COVID-19 crisis and delivered affordable health coverage, including through expanded telehealth services so they could still see their doctors. Coalition members also shared how Medicare Advantage provides them high-quality care at an affordable price.  

Our Coalition member Nancy kicked off her remarks by sharing that she switched to Medicare Advantage after being on traditional Medicare. Since switching to Medicare Advantage, her out-of-pocket costs decreased, including her prescription drug costs. She also stated that since the COVID-19 crisis began she has utilized both telehealth services and online fitness classes, which keeps her healthy. While Nancy was comfortable with connecting with her doctors over video chat, she noted that not everyone is. She urged Representative Evans to co-sponsor Ensuring Parity in MA and PACE for Audio-Only Telehealth Act (H.R. 2166). This would allow patients to use the phone to speak to their doctors instead of video. 

Another Coalition member Edna shared that she also switched to Medicare Advantage from traditional Medicare and added, “I would have done it a long time ago if I knew all of the benefits.” Edna also explained that her husband’s chemo treatments were completely covered with a very low co-pay thanks to Medicare Advantage. She also highlighted that Medicare Advantage allows her not to stress about paying for eyeglasses or dental appointments, because vision and dental care are part of her plan. Edna closed off by sharing that she utilizes telehealth for wellness check-ins with her physician and online fitness classes, which allowed her mental well-being to remain intact during these times of prolonged social isolation.  

Lastly, Coalition member Danielle mentioned that she had switched to Medicare Advantage 3 years ago, and her husband remained on traditional Medicare. After seeing her plan and all the services that came at an affordable cost, her husband switched to Medicare Advantage the following year. Danielle shared that she enjoys the selection of physicians that Medicare Advantage covers, saying, “They are all doctors I would be going to if I had my choice of care. Medicare Advantage allows me to see the best doctors in the area with very little co-pay.” 

Representative Evans told the group that he was very impressed at how active they were at their age. He also explained that he sees incredible value in Medicare Advantage, and pledged to support the program. 

The CMC thanks Representative Evans for meeting with our Pennsylvania Coalition members and for his support of Medicare Advantage.