By Darren Grubb, Medicare Advantage Majority spokesperson
December 3rd marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities. A moment to recognize dignity, visibility, and the systems that help people live full, independent lives.
Medicare Advantage (MA) is one of those systems. It’s a cornerstone of support for more than 34 million families across the country, including many younger adults under 65 who qualify for Medicare because of a disability. These aren’t just numbers – they’re workers, parents, veterans, and students who rely on MA for stability, independence, and real control over their health.
While this program is often viewed as only for older adults, it’s just as essential for younger Americans with disabilities. The same supports that help seniors stay active also help people with disabilities stay employed, stay connected, and manage complex health needs with confidence. One beneficiary, Susie Johnstone of New York, put it this way:
“As an artist in Upstate New York who knows what it is like to live with chronic ailments, I want to express my strong support for Medicare Advantage and urge our federal lawmakers to protect this essential program. Most people associate programs like Medicare Advantage with seniors, but many people under 65 also rely on it to manage serious, ongoing health conditions. For those people under 65, the plans under Medicare Advantage provide the wanted flexibility for specific medical needs while still being affordable and predictable. For many folks on fixed incomes knowing what their costs will be upfront – no surprise bills, no impossible choices between treatments and daily living expenses brings great peace of mind.”
Her story reflects what we see all across the country – and there are countless others just like it. They show the breadth of people who rely on MA:
- A veteran rebuilding strength after an injury.
- A young adult navigating life with multiple sclerosis.
- A parent balancing mobility challenges while caring for a family.
- A worker managing chronic pain while staying employed.
Each find in Medicare Advantage not just coverage, but a pathway to greater stability, confidence, and dignity. To them this program more than just an insurance plan. It means coordinated care instead of juggling disconnected providers. It means access to transportation, vision, dental, and other benefits traditional Medicare doesn’t always offer. And it means a system designed for real people, not bureaucracy.
For many, MA is the first time they’ve had real choice in how they receive care. Instead of being stuck in a confusing, fragmented system, beneficiaries can select plans that match their needs – whether that’s a strong care network, behavioral health support, or specialized help for complex conditions.
And that choice matters. It’s no surprise that satisfaction among MA enrollees remains high. Beneficiaries consistently say MA helps them save money, reduce stress, and stay independent – benefits that matter just as much as doctor visits.
This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we recognize the experiences and voices of those who depend on MA. Their stories remind us of what care looks like when it’s shaped around the needs of real people.
On this day – and every day – we stand with beneficiaries and caregivers working toward a stronger, more accessible America.