2025 Journal Record Health Care Heroes
By : Julie McKone //February 21, 2025//
McKone: Oklahomans support Medicare Advantage—Washington should, too
By : Julie McKone //February 21, 2025//
Medicare Advantage is a lifeline for many of Oklahoma’s seniors, providing comprehensive, affordable care that keeps costs predictable while ensuring access to high-quality services. As the Trump administration and Congress take shape, we look forward to working with our leaders to prioritize and protect this important healthcare option.
Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is a program where health insurance providers deliver comprehensive care to America’s seniors and people with disabilities, covering everything traditional Medicare covers and more. These plans often include additional benefits such as vision, dental, hearing, prescription drug coverage, and wellness programs. Many plans also offer services like telehealth, transportation, and meal delivery, which help seniors—especially those in rural areas—stay healthy and independent. Unlike traditional Medicare, which operates on a fee-for-service model, Medicare Advantage promotes value-based care. This approach focuses on preventive care and chronic disease management, helping seniors avoid costly hospital visits while improving their overall health.
Medicare Advantage also brings financial security by capping out-of-pocket costs, offering lower premiums, and including built-in prescription drug coverage. For seniors on fixed incomes, this financial protection is critical. Unlike traditional Medicare, which does not limit out-of-pocket spending, Medicare Advantage ensures that seniors are not left with overwhelming medical bills.
Oklahomans value choice and competition in healthcare, and Medicare Advantage delivers both. More than 320,000 Oklahomans have chosen these plans because they offer tailored, flexible coverage that meets their unique needs. The ability to select from different plan designs, provider networks, and coverage levels allows seniors to find a plan that best suits their medical and financial situation. Despite its popularity and effectiveness, Medicare Advantage has faced two years of funding cuts, creating uncertainty for seniors and resulting in fewer benefits and higher costs.
Now, with new leadership in Washington and President Trump’s commitment to lowering costs for seniors, we have an opportunity to restore and strengthen this vital program. Ensuring that Medicare Advantage remains accessible and well-funded is not a partisan issue—it is a matter of protecting a program that works for seniors, taxpayers, and the broader healthcare system. Every Oklahoman deserves access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, and that includes preserving Medicare Advantage as one of many options available to seniors.
We urge the Trump administration and our Congressional delegation, including Senators Markwayne Mullin and James Lankford, to ensure that Medicare Advantage remains a strong, viable option for Oklahoma’s seniors. By prioritizing this program, we can continue to deliver the care, stability, and financial security that so many Oklahomans depend on. Medicare Advantage has proven its value by offering comprehensive benefits, promoting preventive care, and keeping seniors healthy. Policymakers must listen to the voices of seniors in Oklahoma and across the country who want to keep this option strong. Washington should act now to support and strengthen Medicare Advantage, ensuring that it continues to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare for years to come.
Julie McKone is executive director of Oklahoma Families for Affordable Healthcare.
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