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Seniors From Across the U.S. Tell Congress: "I Am Medicare Advantage" at Capitol Hill Rally
WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 350 seniors from across the country gathered on Capitol Hill today to urge Members of Congress to protect their Medicare Advantage benefits. The rally, organized by the Coalition for Medicare Choices, was led by seniors and physicians who called on Congress not to cut Medicare Advantage payments. U.S. Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE), U.S. Representative Steve Buyer (R-IN) and America’s Health Insurance Plans President and CEO Karen Ignagni also spoke at the event.
Medicare Advantage is the part of Medicare that delivers Medicare benefits through private health plans. Seniors who choose Medicare Advantage receive additional benefits and services not available in original Medicare, including coordination of care and disease management services; dental, hearing, and vision benefits; and out-of-pocket cost protection.
“Congress needs to know that doctors outside the Beltway support Medicare Advantage and that the additional benefits provided are vital to improving senior’s health care,” said Osmundo R. Saguil, M.D., Senior Medical Director and Chairman of the Department of Hospital Medicine at the Talbert Medical Group in Costa Mesa, California. “As a physician, I see first hand how coordinated care and disease management services in Medicare Advantage are helping seniors cope with chronic diseases and improving their quality of life.”
Noting that Medicare Advantage saves beneficiaries an average of $86 per month compared with original Medicare and that half of all Medicare Advantage beneficiaries earn less than $20,000 per year, Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans, urged Congress to consider the impact that cuts to the program would have on seniors. “Medicare Advantage is a vital safety net program that is helping millions of seniors manage chronic conditions, stay healthy and live fuller lives,” Ignagni said.
Government officials estimate that the program saves seniors on average $1,032 each year through lower out-of-pocket costs and better benefits when compared to basic Medicare coverage.
About the Coalition for Medicare Choices
Created by America’s Health Insurance Plans in 1999, the Coalition for Medicare Choices is the leading national grassroots organization for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries who advocate for quality health care and expanded health plan choices. The Coalition's more than 400,000 members live in 48 states and actively participate in the democratic process to effect positive changes in the Medicare program. Please visit www.medicarechoices.org to learn more about the Coalition for Medicare Choices.
