North Carolina’s elected officials must protect Medicare Advantage

Over 1 million North Carolina seniors are enrolled in Medicare Advantage because its plans are affordable, offer excellent care and provide diverse benefits. Unlike traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage lets seniors choose the plan that best suits their health needs, lifestyle and budget.

For someone on a fixed income like myself, my MA plan keeps me healthy and saves me money so I can enjoy everything North Carolina offers in my retired years.

Unfortunately, Medicare Advantage’s future is in jeopardy because of cuts the Biden administration made to the program. Beneficiaries’ premiums are rising, and some seniors have been forced off their plans entirely. Higher costs and fewer choices for my health care are scary thoughts for me. Spending more on health care means I have less left over for essentials like food and utilities.

I know I’m not the only senior who is concerned. Fortunately, we seniors have strong advocates, such as Rep. Richard Hudson and Sen. Thom Tillis. I’m hopeful they’ll keep standing up for Medicare Advantage and undo the harm caused to the program over the past few years.

President Donald Trump has promised to protect Medicare for seniors, which for most of us means Medicare Advantage. We need Hudson and Tillis to work with Trump to save Medicare Advantage and financially stabilize our seniors.

Frank Maness lives in Fayetteville.