More than half a million South Carolina seniors depend on Medicare Advantage for affordable, high-quality care. As open enrollment begins, many are already feeling the pinch of Biden-era policies, higher premiums, reduced benefits, and even plan closures. The last thing seniors need is another Washington deal that makes things worse.
Some lawmakers have floated the No UPCODE Act as a “pay-for” in recent budget negotiations. But this proposal would cut Medicare Advantage by $124 billion over the next decade, directly harming seniors who are already facing higher costs. Using Medicare Advantage as a budget piggy bank is bad policy and bad politics. It would break President Trump’s pledge to protect Medicare and risk alienating the very voters Republicans rely on.
Seniors deserve better. Any discussion about Medicare Advantage should take place in open debate in Congress, not hidden in massive spending packages or backroom negotiations.
Senator Tim Scott has long been a champion for Medicare Advantage, even joining a bipartisan letter last year to highlight its value for seniors. We’re counting on him to stand firm once again, reject the No UPCODE Act, hold the line for South Carolina seniors, and protect the Medicare Advantage program we depend on.