By Anne Childers, a Medicare Advantage Beneficiary
I’ve always been someone who takes care of my health. At 77, staying active and independent still matters to me, and for the past 12 years, Medicare Advantage (MA) has been a big part of how I’ve been able to do that with confidence.
But last year, everything changed.
For the first time in my life, I faced a serious medical emergency. Doctors suspected cancer, and suddenly I was navigating a world of tests, uncertainty, and fear. I underwent major surgery, followed by additional procedures in the months that came next as part of my recovery.
Throughout it all, I spent more than a week in the hospital receiving care. The doctors and nurses who treated me were exceptional, providing not only high-quality medical care but also compassion during a very difficult time. It was overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. There were moments when I questioned whether my coverage would truly be there for me when I needed it most.
But it was. After everything I had been through, one of my biggest concerns was what the cost would look like. Care like this, surgery, extended hospital stays, and follow-up treatment, can be overwhelming for anyone. When the bills finally came, I braced myself for the worst. Instead, my total out-of-pocket cost was just $500.
That experience changed how I see everything. In one of the most difficult chapters of my life, MA showed up when it mattered most. It gave me access to excellent care, supported me through multiple procedures, and allowed me to focus on healing instead of worrying about how I would afford it. I truly believe it played a role in saving my life.
It also reinforced something I had valued all along, the importance of having choices in your healthcare. Being able to select a plan that works for you, and to trust that it will be there when the unexpected happens, is something every senior deserves.
That is why I traveled from Florida to Washington, D.C. earlier this year. Alongside advocates from across the country, I met with members of Congress and their staff to share what MA means in real life and why protecting those choices is so important. Right now, those conversations matter.
Federal policymakers are considering changes that would result in just a 0.09 percent average payment increase for MA plans. That is essentially flat funding, even as healthcare costs continue to rise. From where I stand, that does not reflect the reality seniors are facing.
When coverage does not keep pace with costs, it puts pressure on the benefits and choices people rely on. That could mean higher out-of-pocket costs, fewer plan options, or reduced access to trusted doctors and care. For those of us who depend on this coverage, that is not a small adjustment. It is a real concern.
That is why I am urging lawmakers to listen to the people they represent. Speak directly with seniors in your communities, understand what MA makes possible in our lives, and take action by contacting the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and making clear that this program must be properly supported.
I am grateful to be here today, healthy and continuing to live my life fully. My hope is simple. That others will continue to have access to the same care, the same choices, and the same peace of mind that MA gave me when I needed it most.