More than three dozen community leaders from across the country have come together to actively engage lawmakers on the value Medicare Advantage provides to vulnerable seniors in their communities.
The Minority Advisory Committee to the Coalition for Medicare Choices includes former elected officials, civil rights advocates, labor and business leaders who have coalesced to protect low-income and minority seniors from cuts to their Medicare benefits.
"Seniors deserve affordable, high-quality healthcare. Any cuts to Medicare Advantage would drive up healthcare costs for those who can least afford it," said Committee member Willie Hampton, President of the Service Employees International Union Local 79 in Michigan.
A recent AHIP analysis of government data demonstrates the importance of Medicare Advantage to low-income and minority seniors. According to the most recent publicly available data, 49 percent of all Medicare Advantage beneficiaries had incomes of less than $20,000. Sixty-eight percent of minority Medicare Advantage enrollees had incomes below $20,000.
"How could Congress consider cutting funding for a healthcare program that keeps many low-income seniors in our community healthy? If Congress cuts funding, you can be sure that many low-income and minority seniors will be forced to pay more money for less benefits," said Committee member Jaime Martinez, President of League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council #4626 in San Antonio, Texas.
The Minority Advisory Committee comes together as Congress is crafting budget and health care legislation. Committee members will reach out to members of Congress and provide guidance as the Coalition for Medicare Choices conducts grassroots efforts in their communities.
"Balancing the federal budget on the backs of our seniors who count on Medicare health plans is unacceptable," said Eligio Marin, Chairman of LULAC Illinois.
The Coalition for Medicare Choices is the leading national grassroots organization for beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
The Committee includes: