Access to quality, affordable health care is one of the most important promises we make to our nation’s seniors. After a lifetime of hard work, they deserve peace of mind knowing their health needs will be met without sacrificing financial security. Programs like Medicare Advantage play a vital role in keeping that promise—offering seniors comprehensive care, preventive services, and valuable benefits that help them live independently and with the reassurance of financial security.
Unlike other health care plans, including traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage makes comprehensive benefits accessible, without extra charges tacked on to premiums or out-of-pocket costs. Doctor appointments, specialist care, and prescription drugs are all covered under Medicare Advantage’s basic services. This program also supports those relying on at-home care, providing telehealth options, meal delivery services, and prescription delivery.
Medicare Advantage is affordable, accessible, and comprehensive because, unlike traditional Medicare, it relies partly on market forces to drive pricing and service availability. That translates to seniors being able to support their health care needs without having to sacrifice groceries or paying the bills. The program’s easy use also means seniors can often navigate their own private health care decisions without involving others, empowering them with control over their health.
Why then is Congress once again considering cuts to Medicare Advantage benefits via the No UPCODE Act? If passed, this bill will mean beneficiaries will be on the hook for billions of dollars in increased premiums and out-of-pocket costs. It will effectively undermine the very programs that make Medicare Advantage as outstanding as it is. This would be terribly unfair to the seniors, depending on Medicare Advantage, many of whom are already trying to live on fixed incomes and cannot financially absorb an increase in health care costs.
Our seniors who have worked and sacrificed to uplift their families and communities deserve a whole lot better than to have their health care legs kicked out from under them like that. Defunding Medicare Advantage is also a political liability.
It’s a good time for our Republican elected officials in Washington, D.C., to reinforce the long-standing Conservative tradition of protecting our seniors—as well as to stand up for Conservative, market-driven policymaking—by opposing any and all cuts to Medicare Advantage and, one step further, demanding increased funding for this worthy, effective health care program. Let’s show our seniors that we care enough to pay more than lip service to their continued good health and wellness. I’m calling on Congress to vigorously oppose the No UPCODE Act and its outrageous plan to undermine the health care of tens of millions of seniors.
