Carla Thomlinson: Congress should strengthen senior health care by protecting Medicare Advantage

Seniors in Pennsylvania and nationwide need access to high-quality, comprehensive health coverage that ensures they can get the care they need in a timely manner and at costs they can afford. That’s why it’s extremely concerning to see cuts to Medicare Advantage continually under consideration, jeopardizing care that tens of millions of Americans across the nation rely on. 

Medicare Advantage is the increasingly popular version of Medicare that delivers higher quality at lower costs, providing immense value to seniors and patients living on a fixed budget. Today, more than half of all eligible Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. That’s roughly 34 million Americans, including over 1.6 million Pennsylvanians, who rely on the program.

As a pharmacist working in Bucks County, I see firsthand the importance of prescription drug access in the lives of the senior patients who walk through our doors. While those on traditional Medicare must enroll in a separate plan with a separate deductible to access the prescriptions they need, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries can access integrated prescription drug coverage with no additional premiums needed.

For seniors and patients with disabilities living in rural, hard-to-reach, or underserved communities, the additional services provided by Medicare Advantage go above and beyond to address the access, transit, or mobility limitations that they may have. Services like telehealth, meal delivery, in-home support, and transportation to and from doctors’ appointments all help these folks overcome these barriers to care to ensure their needs are being met.

Given all the value Medicare Advantage provides for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, it’s crucial that our lawmakers and policy officials in Washington support this program. However, that has been far from the case, as the program has been singled out by years of consecutive funding cuts by the prior administration’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Today, Medicare Advantage is yet again a target for cuts. As the reconciliation process ramps up, the program could be hit with detrimental changes that would undermine the affordability and value of the program. Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation, including Senator Dave McCormick, must stick up for this program.  

Our lawmakers must shield Medicare Advantage from any harmful changes that could put the program in jeopardy. No one, especially our nation’s seniors, should have to worry about losing access to the vital health care benefits and services that help them live healthier, happier, and fuller lives.

Carla Thomlinson is a pharmacist based in Bucks County.