Protect Medicate Advantage

To the Editor;

Access to emergency care can quite often be a matter of life and death, particularly for older patients and medically vulnerable individuals. As an EMT, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of patients having a health plan that can be activated quickly and that covers vital emergency care services. That’s why I’m such a firm believer in programs like Medicare Advantage.

Medicare Advantage plans cover emergency care costs even if the hospital or ER is out of network, which means beneficiaries can access emergency care anywhere in the country. That provides a literal lifeline, as well as peace of mind, to the tens of millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities enrolled in the program nationwide. 

Medicare Advantage plays a critical role in helping patients navigate some of the most critical, harrowing moments they may face and access the vital care they need, when they need it. Given that enrollment in the program continues to increase every year, elected officials in Washington should help keep Medicare Advantage well funded to support that growth. 

That’s why Maine’s congressional delegation, iU.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King as well as U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, should continue their work to protect Medicare Advantage from potential funding cuts that could threaten access to the health benefits it provides at-risk patients, including life-saving emergency care services.

Nana Dondorful-Amos

Waterville