Eight out of every 10 Americans have identified the economy as the most important concern they’re taking into the proverbial ballot box. Inflation has squeezed pocketbooks in every facet of the economy — the grocery store, the gas pump, utilities and health insurance.
Research shows about half of U.S. adults say they cannot afford their health care costs. According to an AARP Research study, healthcare affordability, rising health insurance costs and a lack of confidence in affording unexpected medical bills are significant concerns for adults ages 40 to 64.
That’s why over half of eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities choose Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage caps out-of-pocket costs, and many Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits that fee-for-service Medicare doesn’t cover.
Medicare Advantage serves more than 33 million Americans. Threats to the Medicare Advantage program would disproportionately impact health care affordability for low-income, rural, and minority Americans. Medicare Advantage has a higher overall share of diverse populations compared to original Medicare. Women make up 57% of Medicare Advantage members. Nearly 40% of Medicare Advantage enrollees make less than $25,000 per year, and 4 million enrollees live in rural communities. We cannot afford to leave these communities — populations who have disproportionate access to reliable health care — behind.
As I get older, prioritizing my health is the best way to ensure I can stay active with my grandchildren. Medicare Advantage plans may include dental, vision and hearing coverage; fitness programs; transportation to doctor visits; and even allowances that help eligible beneficiaries pay for healthy food and other essentials, like rent and utilities.
That’s why I’m proud to be a Medicare Advantage senior. With just one month remaining until election day, there has never been a more critical time to advocate for predictability and stability in our long-term healthcare options.
I stand with the 305,533 other Nevada seniors currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage to voice our support for candidates who support us. Nevadan seniors are counting on the Nevada delegation to continue supporting high-quality, comprehensive, affordable health coverage.
Nevada seniors cannot afford partisanship. Medicare Advantage has strong bipartisan support because it shows that public-private partnerships work to deliver lower costs, more choices, and better outcomes for our parents and grandparents. Elected officials can make a difference in the lives of Nevada seniors— we receive the high-quality health care we deserve, at an affordable price.
The saying goes “age is just a number,” but that’s not really true when it comes to elections. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the last election saw voters 65 or older make up the largest portion of the voting population in many cities. That’s because seniors have higher turnout than other age brackets. We have a lot to lose — including our health care.
As candidates do what they can to attract the senior vote, we’ll be watching and listening for their support of Medicare Advantage.