New York City Faith Leaders call on Biden Administration to Protect Senior and Retiree Health Care
Brooklyn — Faith leaders from across New York City today asked the Biden Administration to revisit proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage, a crucial health care program that covers more than 30 million American seniors and people with disabilities, including more than 1.8 million in New York, covering nearly half the state’s Medicare eligible population. Faith leaders Pastor James Neville of Holy Temple of Prayor and Pastor Robert Butler of Glory Tabernacle in Brooklyn, Pastor Jamel Moore of Greater Zion Baptist Church in the Bronx, and Pastor Michael Battle of Transformation Church in Queens see first first-hand how these programs provide affordable, quality health coverage and are concerned with how cuts could negatively impact enrollees.
“Through our ministry, we meet with all types of Medicare Advantage enrollees, including those that are dually enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare. The coverage provided by Medicare Advantage is important for so many in our city. It allows them to access the health care that they need at an affordable price”, said Pastor Butler.
Medicare Advantage is a public, private partnership, where private insurance companies offer plans that are approved by the government. Medicare Advantage serves millions of enrollees with overwhelming satisfaction. (95%) of senior enrollees say Medicare Advantage provides better services for a better value. Additionally, a new study has found that Medicare Advantage enrollees are not happy to hear about the proposed cuts, with 83% calling the cuts unacceptable.
Pastor Moore adds, “So many in our congregations rely on the benefits provided by their Medicare Advantage plans, which covers more racially diverse populations than original Medicare. Cuts would be catastrophic to the health of our city’s seniors, especially in underserved communities. I hope that Senator Schumer and Representative Jefferies will stand up for our seniors and tell the Biden Administration not to cut Medicare Advantage.”
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released its 2024 Medicare Advantage Advance Notice, which proposes changes to Medicare Advantage plan payments for the 2024 calendar year. Currently, CMS is looking to cut Medicare Advantage funding by billions, jeopardizing health care for millions.
