Medicare Advantage works for me — don’t take it away

Vickie Barber

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I am one of hundreds of thousands of Arizonans enrolled in Medicare Advantage. For me, it’s more than a health plan. It’s what allows me to stay healthy, to live a more independent and active lifestyle, and to more easily manage my budget. That’s why I feel the need to speak out now.

Medicare Advantage offers coverage that traditional Medicare simply doesn’t. My plan includes dental, hearing and vision care — all under the same low monthly premium. It also offers a health portal that allows me keep track of my appointments and medications. Caps on out-of-pocket spending also help my retirement dollars go farther. These things may sound small, but to me they are life-changing. They help me take care of myself without constant stress about costs.

The No UPCODE Act being considered in Congress threatens to take that away. If this bill passes, premiums could go up. Out-of-pocket costs could rise. Benefits like the ones I rely on could be cut back or eliminated. Even more troubling, it would make it harder to get in-home health check-ins that help doctors spot problems early.

It’s difficult to overstate how important those visits are. They can mean the difference between catching an issue in time or winding up in the hospital. For seniors who live alone, who are managing chronic conditions or who don’t have family nearby, those visits are critical. Taking them away would pose a real risk to people’s lives. That’s not the kind of policy change our leaders should take lightly.

What frustrates me most is that Medicare Advantage is working. Seniors like me are satisfied with our coverage. We choose to enroll in it over traditional Medicare because it helps us stay healthier and more independent. That’s why enrollment keeps growing year over year — because the program works and it is popular.

I worry about what will happen if Congress passes this bill. Seniors in Arizona, especially those in rural areas, would lose access to important services. People who already struggle with transportation or limited doctor availability would be hit the hardest. And the costs would pile up. And not just for seniors, but for taxpayers, too.

I don’t usually write pieces like this. But this issue is too important to stay quiet about. I know what Medicare Advantage has done for me. It gives me peace of mind. It lets me plan ahead. It helps me live the life I want to live. The No UPCODE Act would put all of that in jeopardy.

Congress needs to listen to the people who rely on this program every day. We don’t want higher costs and fewer benefits, which is what has happened in the past when Medicare Advantage has been put on the chopping block. We don’t want Washington making it harder for us to stay healthy. We want Medicare Advantage to stay strong and responsive to our needs, even as enrollment continues to grow.

I urge Arizona’s leaders in Washington — and every member of Congress — to oppose the No UPCODE Act. Protect Medicare Advantage. Don’t weaken it. Seniors like me are counting on you.

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