Help of Rice sought in Medicare dilemma

Sixteen million seniors rely on Medicare Advantage for low-cost, comprehensive health care coverage, and it is in danger of budget cuts. The cuts being discussed in Congress would be in addition to the $200 billion that has already been cut since 2010. If these cuts are successful, the millions of seniors who use this program could face steeper out-of-pocket costs, lose benefits, or be limited when choosing a doctor or other health care provider.

I have diabetes and blood pressure issues, so it is essential I can afford my routine medical expenses, especially insulin. If my Advantage coverage were cut, I could probably not afford the medication I need. I do not have the flexibility in my budget to afford higher costs. Senior citizens need U.S. Rep. Tom Rice to show us support by opposing deeper funding cuts to Medicare Advantage. If he champions this issue, he will secure more senior votes.

This story was originally published February 22, 2016 at 8:25 AM with the headline "Help of Rice sought in Medicare dilemma."