by Assemblyman Scott Bendett, New York Assembly District 107
Growing older comes with real challenges in upstate New York. Many seniors in my district live on fixed incomes while managing chronic conditions. Some of them live far away from the care they need. And most of them just want the same thing: affordable, dependable health care coverage they can understand and count on.
Medicare Advantage makes a difference in the lives of New York’s seniors by giving them access to that coverage. However, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a nearly flat advance rate notice for next year, which means the investment in the program would fall short of what enrollees need and undermine the benefits and services that seniors depend on. With the high cost of living New York’s seniors can’t afford this!
Older residents make up a significant and growing share of New York’s population, including in the counties and communities I represent in the Capital Region. These are folks who have raised families and built our communities. They’ve worked hard their whole lives and paid into the Medicare system, and they deserve reliable coverage that works for them now.
Medicare Advantage delivers that. It brings care together instead of forcing seniors to navigate multiple parts and plans. It also offers predictable costs and tangible benefits that traditional Medicare often leaves out, which are hugely helpful in allowing seniors to stay healthy and independent.
I believe in programs that work efficiently and respect taxpayer dollars. Medicare Advantage does both. It emphasizes prevention and helps manage chronic diseases. And it reduces costly hospitalization by addressing problems earlier. Ultimately, that’s good for seniors and taxpayers alike.
Despite its success, Medicare Advantage seems to always be on the chopping block. Under the previous administration, the program endured years of consecutive funding cuts that weakened benefits and raised premiums. And now, the CMS may again underfund the program. Republicans and Democrats alike must come together to ensure that Medicare Advantage is properly funded and provides the supports and services seniors need to live independently – safely and with dignity.
Discussions about cuts or changes to Medicare Advantage are often framed as minor. However, for seniors, the impact is anything but small. When funding is reduced or rules tighten, then plans have fewer options. That usually translates to fewer choices and higher costs for seniors.
New York’s Congressional Delegation should be focused on strengthening what works, not undermining it. Medicare Advantage has become the more popular coverage option among America’s seniors because it leverages the free market to deliver greater value and choice. That provides greater reliability and stability, which is a big deal when people are planning their lives around fixed incomes and ongoing health needs.
By protecting Medicare Advantage, lawmakers honor their commitments to seniors and ensure they can age with dignity. That’s a responsibility that leaders on both sides of the aisle should take seriously.