With American seniors already struggling in the face of high prices, one would think Washington policymakers would do everything possible to protect Medicare and keep health care costs low. That’s why seniors might be surprised to learn that the Biden administration cut Medicare Advantage two years in a row, making the program less affordable and causing coverage disruptions for millions of seniors.

Nearly 34 million seniors and people with disabilities rely on Medicare Advantage for affordable health care, including almost 1.5 million Pennsylvanians — many of whom live on fixed incomes. For them, every dollar counts, especially when it comes to the high cost of health care.

But with two consecutive years of Medicare Advantage cuts, Pennsylvania seniors have started seeing reduced benefits and higher out-of-pocket costs. Meanwhile, across the country, around two million seniors were forced to choose new Medicare Advantage plans for this year after losing their coverage. The most vulnerable people in our community will be hit hardest, including low-income seniors and minorities who are more likely to choose Medicare Advantage.

Politicians of both parties give lip service to protecting Medicare — but that isn’t enough. That’s why we are calling on our elected leaders like Representatives John Joyce and Brian Fitzpatrick to stand up for seniors and protect Medicare Advantage from further funding cuts or policy changes, ensuring it can remain an affordable option for Pennsylvania seniors. Our health and financial well-being depend on it.

— Teresa Bryant, Bucks County