As a lifelong resident of Auburn and a member of the Maine Senate, I appreciate Sen. Susan Collins’ strong, consistent support of Medicare Advantage. This program plays a vital role in the health and well-being of seniors and patients with disabilities across the Pine Tree State and nationwide.

Medicare Advantage connects over 34 million Americans with the high-quality, lower-cost care and supplemental services they need to live healthier, happier and more active lives. The program not only benefits seniors and patients with disabilities, but their network of family members, caregivers, providers and entire communities that are all invested in their health and well-being.

Especially for rural Mainers, Medicare Advantage reduces access barriers, offering meal delivery, in-home support and even transportation to and from doctor’s appointments. It also gives aging Mainers greater peace of mind knowing that their needs will be met at costs they can afford, with low monthly premiums and caps on out-of-pocket spending.

The program seems to be on a better track than it was under the previous administration, with 2026 rates projected to result in a 5% increase in payments to Medicare Advantage plans. That’s important to reverse the impact that years of funding cuts have had on the program, but more needs to be done to ensure Medicare Advantage can continue to meet the health care needs of our country’s most vulnerable citizens.

Sen. Collins should keep up the good work in Washington, D.C., and help protect Medicare Advantage and the tens of millions of Americans it serves.

Sen. Bruce Bickford
Auburn