Mississippi Seniors Speak Out Against Medicare Adva...( U.S. Senate to vote soon on legis...),Health

U.S. Senate to vote soon on legislation that would cut $39 million from Medicare Advantage program in Mississippi

WASHINGTON, July 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Seniors across Mississippi are speaking out against proposed cuts to the Medicare Advantage program in legislation being considered in the U.S. Senate. The legislation (H.R. 6331) would cut $39 million from the Medicare Advantage program in Mississippi alone and severely cut back the areas where Medicare private fee-for-service plans can operate, adversely impacting 18,000 Mississippi seniors enrolled in these plans.

Mississippi seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage are sharing their stories about the value their plan provides and expressing their strong opposition to the proposed Medicare Advantage cuts.

Bernice Adams, Olive Branch, MS

"I don't have anything but good to say about Medicare Advantage. If not for my program, I wouldn't be able to afford my prescriptions, or even make it to the doctors. My plan provides a ride to and from my doctor's office!"

Daryl Cambest, Escatawpa, MS

"My Medicare Advantage pays 100% of everything--what is not to like! I have had three surgeries since I've been on my current plan and I have not had to pay anything out of pocket."

More than 38,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Mississippi currently rely on Medicare Advantage to meet their health care needs. These plans offer additional benefits and services that are not available in traditional Medicare, including reduced out-of-pocket costs; $0-premium comprehensive drug coverage; vision, hearing, and dental coverage; wellness programs; and disease management and care coordination programs. Medicare Advantage enrollees save an average of $90 per month - through improved benefits and lower out-of-pocket costs - compared to what they would pay in traditional Medicare.

A recent survey found that most seniors, including those in traditional Medicare, opposed cutting Medi
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