As my husband and I age, taking care of our medical needs (i.e., juggling our health expenses, doctor’s appointments, etc.) has become a daunting task. The Medicare Advantage program has been so instrumental in ensuring that we remain healthy. 

Medicare Advantage provides affordable, comprehensive health care to members. Benefits include doctor visits, vision care and wellness benefits, as well as low or no-cost prescription drugs. Because Medicare Advantage is designed to be user-friendly, seniors can access their healthcare with ease.

This benefits caregivers as well, who, thanks to the program’s affordability and accessibility, aren’t forced to dig into their own pockets to provide care or lose time deciphering convoluted healthcare systems.

However, without sufficient funding, Medicare Advantage is at risk of losing its affordability and convenience. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently proposed a 0.09% rate increase for 2027, which is too low to maintain Medicare Advantage’s great benefits. Premiums and out-of-pocket costs could increase, forcing caregivers to cover the shortfalls, while provider networks could shrink, leaving members unable to see their trusted doctors, at convenient nearby facilities. 

Thus, I traveled to Washington a few weeks ago and met with elected officials to discuss safeguarding the program’s funding, which will protect seniors’ health as well as the quality of life of their caretakers. Seniors and caregivers need Medicare Advantage. All voters must call members of Congress, like Sens. Collins and King, and ask them to encourage the White House to support sufficient Medicare Advantage funding.

Lynne Sedgwick
Jefferson