OP-ED by George Jackow
In a move that underscores the Biden administration’s mismanagement of Medicare Advantage (MA), exit door policy changes threaten to disrupt the healthcare plans of nearly 33 million seniors. Biden administration’s proposed reimbursement adjustments fall far below the rate of inflation, amounting to an effective funding cut that places 3 million older Floridians in jeopardy. Instead of reinforcing a program that enjoys widespread popularity, the Biden White House chose to weaken it, likely to the detriment of those who rely on its expanded benefits and competitive pricing.
More than half of Medicare-eligible seniors choose MA over traditional Medicare because it offers additional services—such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage—without additional premiums. The program operates through a competitive marketplace, ensuring cost-effectiveness and consumer choice. Yet, despite these advantages, progressive policymakers have long sought to undermine MA, preferring a one-size-fits-all government-controlled system. The latest rate adjustments, set to take effect in 2026, appear to be a calculated effort to constrain MA’s growth, potentially forcing millions back into traditional Medicare—a system riddled with inefficiencies and cost overruns.
As Senator Rick Scott has pointed out, these funding reductions will have tangible consequences for seniors. In Florida alone, where nearly 60% of Medicare beneficiaries choose MA, enrollees could see their supplemental benefits slashed by $33 per month, or almost $400 annually. This comes at a time when inflation, particularly in the healthcare sector, continues to rise, making it harder for fixed-income seniors to afford necessary medical care. Scott has been vocal in condemning these cuts, calling on policymakers to prioritize seniors over political maneuvering.
Meanwhile, the administration’s handling of MA adjustments raises serious concerns about its true priorities. While Democrats continues to claim that Republicans seek to dismantle Medicare, it is the Biden administration that is actively shrunk a program that has provided relief and affordability to millions. These political tactics ignore the reality that MA is a success story—one that should be strengthened, not sabotaged.
President Trump, who has pledged to safeguard Medicare, now has the opportunity to reverse these harmful policies. His leadership, along with congressional action, is essential to preserving the affordability and accessibility of MA. American seniors should not be collateral damage in an ideological battle over healthcare. Instead, Washington must commit to sustaining Medicare Advantage, ensuring that seniors continue to receive the high-quality care they deserve.
George Jackow, at 81, is retired from a career in public health and former Osceola County Republican State Committeeman.
