For Immediate Release: March 2, 2026
Contact: Darren Grubb, Medicare Advantage Majority Spokesperson
press@medicareadvantagemajority.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new national survey released by Medicare Advantage Majority (MAM) finds that senior voters overwhelmingly support Medicare Advantage and want lawmakers to protect the program from harmful policy decisions that could reduce benefits, increase costs, and limit access to care. The findings underscore strong confidence in Medicare Advantage and growing concern that the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed 2027 Advance Rate Notice does not reflect rising healthcare costs and could negatively impact seniors’ coverage and financial security.
“Medicare Advantage serves 35 million Americans, providing stable, affordable coverage and access to care they depend on every day,” said MAM spokesperson Darren Grubb. “Seniors are deeply concerned that inadequate investment in the program will lead to higher costs, fewer benefits, and reduced provider access. Lawmakers must listen and prioritize protecting Medicare Advantage, because seniors are paying close attention and expect their elected officials to defend the health coverage that they cannot afford to lose.”
The MAM senior voter survey fielded February 9 – 17, 2026, polled 1,000 senior likely voters nationwide, along with oversamples of 300 senior likely voters in Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Carolina. Topline findings from respondents include:
- Strong and sustained support for Medicare Advantage: Nearly seven in ten senior likely voters nationwide (69%) have a favorable view of Medicare Advantage, unchanged since March 2025. Additionally, an overwhelming 93% say it is important for seniors to have a variety of Medicare plan options to meet their individual health needs.
- Widespread concern about the proposed 2027 Advance Rate Notice: Most senior voters nationwide (63%) are concerned the proposed rate notice will negatively impact Medicare Advantage enrollees if left unchanged, including especially high concern in Michigan (75%) and Maine (69%).
- Seniors prioritize protecting benefits over reducing federal spending: Nearly four in five senior voters (79%) say sustaining benefits and provider networks should be a higher priority than reducing government spending when setting Medicare Advantage payment rates, including 84% of seniors in Michigan.
- Growing fears about affordability, access, and choice: The vast majority of seniors (70%) are concerned the proposed rate notice does not reflect rising healthcare costs and inflation and could lead to decreased affordability, reduced access to providers, and fewer plan options. Concern is even higher in Michigan (80%), Minnesota (76%), and Maine (74%).
- Clear political consequences for policymakers who support cuts: Most senior voters nationwide (65%) want their member of Congress to oppose cuts to Medicare Advantage funding, and more than two-thirds (67%) say they would be less likely to vote for a lawmaker who supported cuts. Opposition is even stronger in Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Carolina, where more than 71% say they would be less likely to support lawmakers who back cuts.
- Congress would be held accountable for benefit losses: A majority of senior voters (55%) say they would blame members of Congress over other entities if Medicare Advantage funding changes resulted in lost benefits or fewer plan options.
Medicare Advantage currently provides coverage to more than 35 million seniors and people with disabilities nationwide and has become the preferred choice for more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries. Unlike traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage offers integrated, coordinated care and includes additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and wellness services, helping seniors maintain their health and financial security.
MAM’s latest survey builds on its previous research showing strong and consistent support among seniors and caregivers for protecting Medicare Advantage and ensuring stable funding to preserve benefits, affordability, and access to care.
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About Medicare Advantage Majority (MAM)
Medicare Advantage Majority (MAM) is a 501(c)4 organization dedicated to protecting and strengthening the Medicare Advantage program for 35 million American seniors and people with disabilities – more than half of all eligible Medicare beneficiaries – who depend on it. MAM is powered by the support of local advocates across the country, including beneficiaries, caregivers, providers and community leaders.