CMC MAGAZINE THE HILL
s our nation continues to undergo a major
transition in our health care system, seniors
on fixed incomes should be able to keep
the coverage on which they depend. The
Medicare program gives health security to those
hands that built this country, and Medicare Advantage
offers additional flexibility and real choice for highquality coordinated care -- keeping seniors healthy
instead of just treating ailments. With a focus on
innovative services, prevention, disease management,
and quality outcomes, successful Medicare Advantage
plans deliver choice while containing costs.
I have the privilege to represent over 160,000 seniors, with one third of them
choosing a Medicare Advantage plan. Recently, I spoke with some of these
seniors when I participated in a roundtable discussion in my District with the
Coalition for Medicare Choices. These seniors shared how much they value
being able to choose the plan that is right for them and also expressed concern
about the harm that cuts to Medicare Advantage could cause.
I share this concern too. In fact, that is why I was proud to stand with colleagues
from both sides of the aisle to protect seniors in Medicare Advantage from
proposed cuts released earlier this year. I heard from constituents who were
concerned that slashing Medicare Advantage too much too soon would mean
real benefit cuts, smaller networks, cuts to add-on benefits, and higher outof-pocket costs. I argued on the House Floor that these shortsighted cuts
would actually drive up costs in the end by steering seniors - even those with
multiple chronic conditions - away from coordinated care and back to traditional
Medicare fee-for-service.
Thankfully, the administration reversed course on the excessive cuts this time,
but I will remain vigilant should these proposed cuts be put back on the table. I
remain committed to ݽɭ