The People speak
Gregory Schneider Associate Professor of History Emporia State University
Originally published 02:30 p.m., June 6, 2008
Updated 02:30 p.m., June 6, 2008
AS A SENIOR FELLOW at The Flint Hills Center for Public Policy, a think-tank advocating health care, taxes and education reform, I want to explain the importance of Medicare Advantage programs in Kansas.
As an advocate for consumer-driven health care, I have been following the success of the Medicare Advantage program, which gives beneficiaries a private insurance alternative to traditional government-run Medicare. Medicare Advantage could be the program to save healthcare in the U.S. By providing seniors the options and accessibility to a variety of plans, Medicare Advantage must and should continue. Unfortunately, Congress is looking at cutting funding for Medicare Advantage. I have witnessed the quality care Kansas seniors, and many seniors across the country, receive as beneficiaries of Medicare Advantage. They have come to rely on the low cost prescription drugs, minimal co-payments, and numerous additional benefits like vision and dental care that would not be affordable under government-run Medicare.
Congress should think about fixed income seniors and this vital innovative program before slashing Medicare Advantage funding.