OPINION – While I’m relieved the government shutdown has ended, and grateful that some leaders in Congress are getting serious about healthcare reform, one thing should be clear: cuts to Medicare Advantage cannot and should not be on the table.

Reducing benefits or raising costs would be detrimental to America’s seniors, including me, leaving us without our preferred healthcare options. Unlike traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage offers us seniors benefits that are both affordable and comprehensive. We have a say in our medical care, it’s easy to locate the doctors and specialists we need, and we don't have to drive hours away to access basic or specialist care.

Because Medicare Advantage is so affordable, offering nearly complete coverage of medical appointments and prescription drugs, seniors can get the medical care we need without financial worries.

Medicare Advantage doesn’t force us to pick and choose what healthcare we can afford this month or what will have to wait until next. I personally love the program’s wellness and exercise options, offered to us at no extra charge, and the preventive care plans that keep illnesses in check and, hopefully, me healthy and strong and out of a nursing home for many years to come.

I'm grateful for the Medicare Advantage program and the affordable, high-quality healthcare it provides. I'm grateful for the peace of mind and quality of life. As a Medicare Advantage beneficiary, I want our lawmakers to fully support and fund this vital program. I want them to give seniors the confidence in our healthcare that we deserve.

Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.