By REP. JESSICA BENHAM

Ensuring our state’s seniors and individuals with disabilities have access to high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive health care is one of my most important jobs as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, particularly in my role on the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee. That is what makes programs like Medicare Advantage so critical for millions of seniors and patients with disabilities here in the Keystone State.

Currently, policymakers in Washington, D.C., are reviewing and revising key Medicare Advantage policies, which will undoubtedly have an impact on the more than 32 million Americans who rely on it to access a range of health care, wellness, and supplemental services that help them lead healthier, more active, and more independent lives. As these discussions continue, our leaders in Congress — Sens. Bob Casey Jr. and John Fetterman, as well as Reps. Chris Deluzio and Summer Lee — must continue to fight to protect Medicare Advantage and ensure the program continues to meet the unique health care needs of our constituents.

When I hear from my older constituents, the rising cost of health care is always among their top concerns, which is what makes the cost savings provided by Medicare Advantage so important.

Compared to beneficiaries in traditional, fee-for-service Medicare, enrollees in Medicare Advantage report spending nearly $2,400 less per year in lower out-of-pocket expenses and premiums.

Given high inflation and the rising cost of living, the value these kinds of savings provide for Pennsylvania’s seniors cannot be overstated, particularly since we are talking about folks who are often living on a fixed income and with complex health care conditions.

Saving nearly $2,400 annually helps them worry less about meeting their immediate medical needs while still being able to afford the essentials — and even gives them the flexibility to splurge a little — helping their hard-earned retirement dollars stretch further.

While saving money on medical expenses is a great benefit, the true value of Medicare Advantage lies in the vast array of services that it covers, like flexible vision, dental, and hearing coverage as well as offerings meant to address the unique needs facing many seniors and patients with disabilities, such as social isolation.

Medicare Advantage also serves those struggling with mobility issues by providing services including telehealth, in-home support, meal delivery, and even transportation to and from medical appointments. Medicare Advantage also covers critical social and wellness programs like the popular SilverSneakers, helping seniors stay active while giving them a greater sense of community and belonging.

Between the cost savings it provides and the vital benefits it connects seniors with, Medicare Advantage plays a crucial role in our healthcare system. It is no wonder that the program enjoys a 94% satisfaction rate and has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. To support the continued growth in enrollment that is expected, Medicare Advantage must remain strong and secure for years to come.

As policymakers in Washington proceed with the Medicare Advantage rate-setting process, Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation should continue to advocate for a stable Medicare Advantage program to protect the critical health care and services so many people rely on. Seniors and those with disabilities in Pennsylvania are counting on it.

State Rep. Jessica Benham is a Democrat representing Allegheny County.