Biden promised not to cut Medicare, but he did when he cut Medicare Advantage

President Biden in his State of the Union address pledged He would never cut Medicare benefits and vowed that if someone tried to do so, “I would stop them.” However, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently cut Provide Medicare for 33 million seniors by cutting the Medicare Advantage program.

When Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra testified This was roundly criticized by Sen. John Kennedy (R-Louisiana) before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Mr. Becerra seemed at a loss for an answer, so I’m happy to help.

Medicare is a very important program that I fought to protect in Congress. In addition to the elderly, Medicare also serves certain people with disabilities and people with end-stage renal disease, like my daughter, who was born without kidneys.

There are several options for accessing Medicare. Some seniors choose traditional Medicare, while others choose Medicare Advantage plans. I believe it’s important to have these options for accessing Medicare.

Traditional Medicare has Parts A and B, which cover most of the costs of hospitalizations and doctor’s visits, but there is no critical coverage. As a result, seniors end up paying more money to get a Medigap plan in case of an emergency. Additionally, traditional Medicare does not limit the amount a beneficiary can pay out-of-pocket. Additionally, it does not include prescription, hearing, vision, or dental coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans, on the other hand, offer all of these benefits at reduced or no out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries. That’s why every year, Medicare Advantage enrollment increases. This year, 33 million Americans have signed up. In 10 years, the Congressional Budget Office will Projects involving 62 percent of eligible Americans It will be registered. Nearly 90% of registrants satisfaction They say they would recommend Medicare Advantage to friends and family.

Further research show that Medicare Advantage plans provide better health outcomes for beneficiaries than traditional Medicare; include “Reduced readmissions, fewer preventable hospitalizations, and lower rates of high-risk drug use.”

To put this in perspective, CMS’ cuts to the Medicare Advantage program will drive up costs for the average beneficiary by: almost $400 per year. This isn’t just bad policy. In an election year when 33 million seniors vote; Voter turnout 72% It could easily make a difference in a hotly contested race, but it’s also terrible politics. This should be obvious whether you are a Republican, a Democrat, or an independent.

Whether you’re talking about traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage, call it whatever you want. No matter how you interpret it, a cut to either is a cut to Medicare.

Republican Jaime Herrera Beutler served six terms in Congress representing Southwest Washington’s 3rd District.