Tuesday, July 2, 2024 | 2 a.m.
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As I’ve gotten older, I can admit that my health is not quite what it used to be. So when I entered retirement, I was on the lookout for a comprehensive yet affordable health care plan that would match my needs in this new stage of life.
After doing my research, I went with Medicare Advantage. Since enrolling, my plan has been a steady source of support that goes beyond basic health care and enhances my quality of life.
For me, Medicare Advantage stands out among competitors because of its expansive coverage that goes far beyond what fee-for-service Medicare offers. My plan covers crucial preventive services that keep older adults healthy. From routine check-ups to screenings and vaccines, the program has helped me prioritize my daily well-being and my long-term health with access to specialized doctors as well.
Another highly appreciated aspect of Medicare Advantage is the transportation benefits. Many seniors, including myself, no longer drive and struggle to get to our medical appointments if a family member or caregiver can’t take us. Luckily, Medicare Advantage often covers transportation to and from health care facilities, ensuring that we don’t miss essential check-ups and fall behind on our care plans.
However, despite these supportive benefits, Medicare Advantage faces negative policy changes from the Medicare agency. These changes could jeopardize the valuable features of the program and drive up costs, potentially stripping away services that beneficiaries depend on for their health and well-being.
In response to this news, I want to thank U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., who has stepped up to protect Medicare Advantage. His recognition of the program’s importance to senior constituents is commendable — and with so much uncertainty facing seniors and our health care due to these cuts, we need leaders like Horsford now more than ever to stand up for the program and the seniors who need it.
In times like these, we must voice our support for Medicare Advantage. For the program’s millions of beneficiaries, it’s not just about health care — it’s about maintaining and improving the quality of life for patients here in Nevada and nationwide. The program supports not only our health but our independence and ability to lead fulfilling lives in our older years.
As discussions about the future of Medicare Advantage continue, let’s join Horsford in remembering the more than 33 million reasons why we need to protect the program: the seniors and people with disabilities who deserve access to comprehensive and affordable care.
James Lamb is a Medicare Advantage enrollee who lives in Nevada.
