Thousands of Seniors Call on Washington to Protect Medicare Advantage

January 23, 2019

The Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) announced today that thousands of seniors have already taken action to keep Medicare Advantage affordable and accessible for more than 23 million Americans who rely on it.

Coalition for Medicare Choices Ramps Up Outreach to Congress, Administration

Washington, DC – January 23, 2018 – The Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) announced today that thousands of seniors have already taken action to keep Medicare Advantage affordable and accessible for the more than 23 million Americans who rely on it. Ahead of potential changes to the Medicare Advantage program this spring, the Coalition is urging Washington to strengthen and protect the program and seniors’ health.

Medicare Advantage plans make health care simple and affordable by providing many benefits not available in the traditional Medicare program, such as limits on out-of-pocket costs; free preventive care; and prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. This year, the average monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan is just $28.

Yet with the rising prices of prescription drugs and hospital services, failure to fund the program adequately could result in higher premiums or cuts to services for millions of America’s seniors. Last year, 363 Members of Congress wrote to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), urging the agency to stand against potential cuts or harmful changes to the program that could negatively impact seniors’ care.

A recent study conducted by the CMC found that:

  • 75 % of seniors all seniors surveyed– say it’s important the federal government preserve funding for the program.
  • Nearly three-quarters of this formidable – and reliable – voting bloc also said they’re more likely to vote for a member of Congress who supports additional funding for the program, and 85 % of seniors with Medicare Advantage say the same.

“For over 18 years, I have received fantastic care through my Medicare Advantage plan – including a life-saving procedure and continued treatment for my ulcerative colitis,” said CMC member Carol Berman of West Palm Beach, Florida. “I hope Congress realizes that strengthening and protecting Medicare Advantage is common-sense, simple, and effective step that they can take to provide seniors like myself with access to quality, affordable health care.”

Ms. Berman isn’t the only one: the same study says…

  • 93 % of seniors with Medicare Advantage are satisfied with their coverage (compared to 80 percent of those with traditional Medicare), and
  • 92 % would recommend the program to their family and friends.

About the Coalition for Medicare Choices

The Coalition for Medicare Choices (CMC) is the nation’s largest and most influential organization dedicated to preserving and strengthening Medicare Advantage (MA). Its members include more than two million seniors and their families committed to communicating the benefits of MA and working with policymakers to protect it. The CMC’s members regularly activate on behalf of MA, and over the years have hosted dozens of town hall meetings and rallies, written hundreds of letters to the editors of their local newspapers, and made more than a million contacts with Members of Congress. More information can be found at www.medicarechoices.org, and those interested in staying up to date on CMC activity are encouraged to follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ProtectMyMA.

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