MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MEMBERS RELY ON ROBUST PROGRAM FUNDING

By Kelly Cruden

I am a happy and grateful Medicare Advantage beneficiary and have been for many years. I've enjoyed access to its affordable medical services and appreciated many of its “extra” benefits included at no additional cost. My vision, dental, and prescription drugs are all covered under Medicare Advantage. I can even participate in wellness events and exercise classes.

For seniors, these benefits aren't really extras, but are necessary for our independent living. Medicare Advantage is based on an understanding of that reality and doesn't add additional costs for very necessary services like vision and dental care.

That's why Medicare Advantage funding needs to be fully supported. I'm not sure if enough people in the government feel that way due to the recently proposed, embarrassingly small increase to Medicare Advantage funding for 2027. If the program is inadequately funded to meet its needs and the needs of its beneficiaries, seniors like me will struggle with higher premium costs. We'll have to dig deep into our pockets for co-pays and essential prescription drugs.

Protecting seniors like me who have worked hard all our lives should be a top priority for this Administration. I encourage our elected officials, especially Senators Kelly and Gallego, to call the White House and make it clear what senior constituents want: increased funding for Medicare Advantage. To protect seniors, there's simply no other option.

Kelly Cruden is an MA Beneficiary.