Rep. Joyce: ‘We Need to Continue to Protect Affordable Access to Healthcare for Seniors’

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. John Joyce, R-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release:

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- Pens Bipartisan Letter In Support Of Medicare Advantage

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Congressman John Joyce (PA-13) this week, along with 302 of his colleagues from both sides of the aisle, signed on to a letter urging Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administrator Seema Verma to protect access to healthcare for seniors by continuing the Medicare Advantage program.

A type of health insurance option under Medicare Part C that covers nearly 22 million seniors, Medicare Advantage offers the flexibility for patients to enroll in private health insurance plans in order to receive more innovative, cost-efficient coverage. Medicare Advantage offers care coordination, disease management programs, out-of-pocket spending limits, access to community-based programs, additional supplemental benefits such as vision, dental and prescription drug coverage for no additional cost.

"As a doctor, I have treated many patients who rely on the Medicare Advantage for their healthcare costs," said Congressman John Joyce. "We need to continue to protect affordable access to healthcare for seniors by keeping this incredibly important program in place. Finding additional ways to strengthen Medicare Advantage so its participating insurance companies have the ability to innovate and provide enhanced coverage for their enrollees is something I will be working on with my colleagues in the coming months."

Joyce, who owned and operated a medical practice in Altoona for nearly 25 years with his wife Alice, has made healthcare a priority since being sworn in to office. During his first month in Congress he held a healthcare listening tour in the 13th District. In his nine healthcare related events, including visits to Penn State Mont Alto, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Somerset Hospital, Fulton County Medical Center, Joyce spoke with medical students, patients, healthcare providers about the changes they would like to see made in Washington regarding the industry.