As both a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates and the county attorney for Raleigh County, I see how decisions made at every level of government eventually reach the people and communities we serve. Federal healthcare policy may be debated in Washington, but its effects are felt around kitchen tables, in doctors’ offices and throughout counties like ours.
That is why the stability of Medicare Advantage matters in West Virginia. Nearly 245,000 West Virginians are enrolled in the program. They chose Medicare Advantage because it offers coverage and benefits that help meet their healthcare and financial needs.
For many seniors, the program provides greater predictability in planning for healthcare expenses. Depending on the plan they select, beneficiaries may also receive dental, vision and hearing benefits, care coordination and other services that are not included in Original Medicare alone. These benefits can help seniors manage their health and maintain their independence.
That has particular value in a rural state. West Virginians may travel considerable distances to see a specialist, obtain treatment or reach a hospital. Transportation, geography and limited provider availability can all become barriers to care. Coverage that helps people address their healthcare needs before they become emergencies can make a meaningful difference for seniors and their families.
Local governments do not administer Medicare, but counties see the practical effects of federal policy. When seniors have stable coverage and can obtain needed care, they are better positioned to remain active in their homes and communities. Families have greater confidence in planning for their loved ones, and local healthcare and emergency-response systems are better able to serve the people who need them.
Medicare Advantage is an important coverage option that nearly a quarter of a million West Virginians have chosen to help meet their healthcare and financial needs. Beneficiaries value the coverage, benefits and predictability their plans provide, and they deserve confidence that those choices will remain dependable.
Government has a responsibility to consider not only the numbers in a budget, but also how policy decisions will affect the people behind those numbers. Changes that increase costs, reduce benefits or disrupt access can have consequences far beyond an individual insurance plan. They can affect household budgets, family caregivers and communities across our state.
As Congress considers policies affecting Medicare Advantage, West Virginia’s seniors should remain at the center of the discussion. The goal should be to preserve a strong and stable program, maintain meaningful coverage choices and avoid unnecessary disruption for the beneficiaries who rely on it.
I encourage West Virginia’s congressional delegation to support stable and appropriate funding for Medicare Advantage. Protecting the program means respecting the choices of nearly 245,000 West Virginians and helping seniors throughout our state continue to live with greater security and independence.
