Smart public policy should help protect and ensure equity for the most at-risk, vulnerable members of our communities, including children, seniors, and underserved individuals. For our aging population and patients with disabilities, particularly those coming from low-income and historically marginalized communities, that includes equitable access to high-quality, affordable health care.
To that end, the Medicare Advantage program is playing an increasingly important role in ensuring access for millions of older Americans and individuals with disabilities, including a disproportionately larger share of low-income and minority beneficiaries compared to traditional, fee-for-service Medicare.
With Medicare Advantage growing in popularity, it is crucial that policymakers and insurers work together to ensure coverage remains both expansive and comprehensive, meeting the evolving needs of beneficiaries.
As new leaders take office in Washington, D.C., now more than ever, we must focus on working across the aisle to guarantee that seniors receive the high-quality care they deserve. By making Medicare Advantage a priority, we can build a system that truly serves all who rely on it.
Nationwide, Medicare Advantage provides more than 34 million Americans with access to comprehensive, coordinated care that improves patient outcomes and addresses the social determinants of health. That includes critical benefits not covered by standard Medicare plans, including integrated prescription, vision, hearing, and dental coverage.
Medicare Advantage also covers a range of community-focused benefits that focus on overall health and wellness. For beneficiaries struggling with mobility or transit issues, the program provides access to telehealth, meal delivery, in-home support services, and transportation to and from doctors’ appointments. Medicare Advantage provides access to the care seniors need, where and when they need it.
Moreover, the program is instrumental in curbing health care costs, thereby alleviating the financial burden on seniors with fixed incomes. With annual caps on out-of-pocket spending and low or zero-dollar monthly premiums, Medicare Advantage significantly reduces the financial strain on those who need health care the most.
Notably, Medicare Advantage serves a distinctly more diverse set of beneficiaries than its fee-for-service counterpart. According to research, 65% of Black seniors and nearly 69% of Latino seniors choose to enroll in Medicare Advantage over fee-for-service Medicare. Given the benefits and cost savings the program provides, it’s not hard to see why. Keeping Medicare Advantage strong and well-funded is critical to preserving health access and equity for older patients of color here in Minnesota and throughout the country.
As Congress continues to hammer out its legislative priorities for the year, our lawmakers should work to ensure Medicare Advantage can continue to play a vital role in our health care system. That means shielding the program from potential funding cuts that could weaken benefits, reduce access to care, and increase premiums for tens of millions of Americans, particularly those from low-income and historically marginalized communities.
Congress’ actions can help preserve and protect Medicare Advantage, a program that makes vital contributions to the lives of seniors and communities nationwide. By championing this cause, our lawmakers can ensure that Medicare Advantage continues to play a crucial role in our health care system.
Cindy Devonish of Eagan, Minnesota, is on the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage and was appointed by Gov. Tim Walz to the African American Health Council. She also is a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. She wrote this for the News Tribune.
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