For Immediate Release: March 2, 2026
Contact: Darren Grubb, Medicare Advantage Majority Spokesperson
press@medicareadvantagemajority.org
AUGUSTA, Maine – A new survey released by Medicare Advantage Majority (MAM) finds that senior voters in Maine overwhelmingly support Medicare Advantage and want lawmakers to protect the program from funding decisions that could raise costs, reduce benefits, and limit access to care. The findings also reveal deep concern that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed 2027 Advance Rate Notice fails to keep pace with rising healthcare costs, putting Maine’s seniors’ coverage, care affordability, and financial security at risk.
“Medicare Advantage plays a critical role in helping Maine seniors access affordable, reliable care, especially for those living on fixed incomes or in rural communities,” said MAM spokesperson Darren Grubb. “Nearly 228,000 residents use the program, and they’re worried that inadequate funding will lead to higher costs and fewer benefits. That’s why seniors need their lawmakers to ensure Medicare Advantage remains strong and stable so they can continue accessing the coverage and care they depend on.”
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 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.
- 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 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, where 72% 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 is the preferred choice for more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries, including nearly 59% in the Pine Tree State. 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.