The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the impact of systemic barriers to health care in New Hampshire, as traditionally underserved communities in our state faced higher rates of infections and hospitalizations. These disparities in access to care have only continued to grow as increased cost of living and inflation put a strain on Granite Staters' wallets. Fortunately, a new study from Harvard Medical School shows Medicare Advantage to be a critical tool that is working to improve access to affordable healthcare for our most vulnerable patient populations.

NH Sen. Cindy Rosenwald

Medicare Advantage is the coverage option of more than 95,000 seniors and individuals with disabilities here in New Hampshire. Medicare Advantage offers a wider range of benefits compared to traditional Medicare, including access to flexible dental, vision, and hearing coverage, as well as cost savings through lower premiums and reduced out-of-pocket expenses.

This comprehensive coverage helps level the playing field for low-income, minority, and underserved populations by addressing social determinants of health, such as lower income and lack of access to transportation, that impact health outcomes. Services like in-home support, meal delivery, telehealth, transportation to and from medical appointments, and wellness programs like SilverSneakers provide extra peace of mind to beneficiaries who may be struggling financially.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Harvard’s study highlights the program’s critical role in connecting our most vulnerable and medically underserved patients with vital services that can help overcome the inequities in our health care system and reduce the often overwhelming barriers to care these communities face. Researchers found that Medicare Advantage’s patient population is more socioeconomically disadvantaged and twice as likely to be non-white than traditional Medicare beneficiaries.

Ultimately, this study should confirm for policymakers the importance of strengthening Medicare Advantage so it can continue improving health equity and access across the country. Our Granite State seniors and those with disabilities are already experiencing physical and social barriers in their daily lives, and barriers to quality health care only make their lives more difficult. As a community, we must work towards solutions that will reduce barriers to care for those who already struggle with daily activities. Medicare Advantage is a tool to overcome these barriers so patients can access the care they need, when they need it – and at a price they can afford.

I have learned from constituents the benefits and savings they are offered through Medicare Advantage. Policymakers must continue building off the success of the program and make it accessible for even more Americans.

Democrat Cindy Rosenwald of Nashua represents District 13 in the New Hampshire State Senate.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Commentary: Medicare Advantage improves health equity for NH seniors