Reader encourages continued funding for Medicare Advantage

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Dear Editor:

In early March, I joined dozens of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries and caregivers in Washington, D.C., for a chance to meet with lawmakers about the program.

In those meetings, we had frank conversations about the problems underfunding this vital program could bring for seniors in Indiana. We shared that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ plan to increase 2027 Medicare Advantage funding by a mere 0.09 percent is not enough to support the millions of Americans who rely on Medicare Advantage.

We continue to emphasize that true inflation should be the basis of any increase in annual Medicare funding. Anything less is an effective decrease in senior benefits.

Underfunding Medicare Advantage could potentially put the health and financial well-being of seniors at risk through increased premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs, and slashed benefits. Many seniors can’t afford to pay more for their healthcare. When faced with increased costs, they would likely forgo their medical appointments and prescription drugs. Those who can afford medical care may find themselves unable to visit their preferred doctors and specialists when medical networks tighten due to insufficient funding.

Fiscal responsibility is important to seniors, but so is the quality of our lives and healthcare. Medicare Advantage funding decisions must take into account what will happen to those of us at the other end of the funding decisions, especially homebound seniors and those dealing with chronic illnesses, who rely on Medicare Advantage home care programs.

I encourage all members of Indiana’s congressional delegation to listen to their constituents and ensure Medicare Advantage continues to have the funding it needs and deserves.

Penny Bigelow
Indianapolis