Anyone reading this knows the importance of health.  As we get older, our health is pretty much all we care about. It seems like it’s all we talk about!  

In my 70s now, seeing my doctor annually helps me stay on top of health issues. I need an insurance policy that covers those annual visits.  That is one of the many reasons why I love my Medicare Advantage plan, as it does just that. 

Medicare Advantage is the choice of over 30 million seniors around the country who want access to high-quality and affordable health care. In Nevada, 245,000 of us choose these plans.  My Medicare Advantage plan gives me the same great coverage as traditional Medicare along with added benefits that I need. I have access to telehealth services, expanded prescription drug coverage, and a limit to my out-of-pocket medical costs. 

My plan gives me access to great doctors and specialists. Two years ago, I had surgery on my left ear to fix my deafness. It was a complete success. Even though the hospital was out of network, my plan covered the surgery.   

I have been getting physical therapy for bone spurs in my knee which my Medicare Advantage plan covers. These sessions have been so successful that I don’t have to get surgery now. So not only am I getting great care, but I’m also saving taxpayer dollars by not having to get surgery!

I have been a member of Senior Care Plus through Hometown Health for the last eight years. They provide my Medicare Advantage plan with the hometown service I have come to enjoy. Most of all, Senior Care Plus helps me coordinate all my doctors and share my health data through MyChart. All my healthcare providers have easy access to my historical healthcare data, and they can share information in real time. Best of all, this service is provided to me automatically through my Medicare Advantage plan. 

Staying active is also important to me, and luckily my Medicare Advantage plan has resources that help me to do so. My plan comes covers a gym membership, access to virtual visits with my doctor, and low-cost prescription drugs.  

I appreciate the focus that Medicare Advantage puts on wellness and prevention.  It keeps me healthy with the goal of keeping me out of the hospital.  

Seniors across Nevada and the country continue to enjoy their Medicare Advantage plans. A recent survey found that 95% of seniors are happy with the value and choices that their Medicare Advantage plans provide. Additionally, 95% of voters agree that the government should continue to fully fund Medicare Advantage plans. 

Sadly, it appears that Washington may be taking a different path. Politicians in Washington have recently proposed billions in cuts to Medicare Advantage for 2024. These cuts would make it more difficult for all seniors to access the care that our Medicare Advantage provides us. These cuts are not well received by American seniors, as a full 83% of senior voters have called the proposed cuts unacceptable. 

Now is not the time to make health care more difficult for seniors. I am calling on Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto to stand up for Nevada seniors and reach out to the White House to oppose these cuts to help keep Nevadans stay healthy while saving taxpayers money! 

Debe Fennell
Reno, NV