This is a guest opinion column
In a few short months, policymakers will decide the financial fate of the Medicare Advantage program and its millions of members. While the program is not in any danger of disappearing altogether, even the smallest funding decreases could leave Alabama’s seniors and seniors nationwide scrambling to pay billions of dollars more via increased premiums and out-of-pocket costs. This is a critical moment for Alabama’s vulnerable seniors and their ability to access the long-term, affordable healthcare they need.
As a State Representative, I want to encourage our congressional delegation to do everything in their power to prevent potential Medicare Advantage cuts from happening and to protect the health and wellness of our seniors. With an affordable healthcare program like Medicare Advantage as part of their aging plan, Alabama’s seniors are able to access critical baseline healthcare needs such as doctor appointments, specialist care, and prescription drugs, all at low or no cost. These, along with Medicare Advantage’s robust preventative and wellness care programs, help seniors to maintain good health and figure out medical concerns while they are still easily treatable. Our seniors shouldn’t have to be afraid of not being able to meet the financial cost of treating life-threatening illnesses, or even the standard aches and pains that occur as a natural part of aging for all of us…