As the Democratic District Leader in the 57th Assembly District, it is an honor to work to make sure every corner of the district I represent has an opportunity to participate in our democratic process. My district covers Prospect Heights and Crown Heights, where I’ve lived for many years. In that time, I’ve witnessed firsthand the gentrification taking place in our Black and Brown communities.
While there may be some benefits, gentrification drives up prices and increases the cost of living for longtime residents—many of whom are seniors living fixed incomes, struggling with chronic illnesses, or dealing with other age-related conditions, including mobility or transportation issues. These are some of the most vulnerable members of our community and they deserve stability and support—not surprises in their finances that make it harder to make ends meet, especially when it comes to something as important as healthcare.
That’s where Medicare Advantage comes in and really shines. Medicare Advantage is the increasingly popular program that now covers more than 34 million Americans, including more than 2 million New Yorkers. Participants can count on their medical costs remaining stable and affordable—with low or zero-dollar monthly premiums and caps on out-of-pocket expenses—and don’t have to worry about forgoing the healthcare services they need or facing surprise bills at the pharmacy.
Medicare Advantage benefits are also easy-to-understand, accessible, and flexible, so seniors and patients with disabilities aren’t locked in to coverage that might not meet their changing healthcare needs over time. Through the program, beneficiaries have access to a range of healthcare services not covered by traditional Medicare, including integrated vision, hearing, dental, prescription coverage and even fitness benefits like gym memberships, keeping seniors active and engaged in their communities.
Another critical distinction between Medicare Advantage and its traditional counterpart is the significantly more diverse patient population the former covers. According to the numbers, 65% of Black seniors and nearly 69% of Latino seniors choose Medicare Advantage. In that regard, this program plays an important role in improving access to care for patients who are traditionally underserved or underrepresented in our healthcare system. That should be reason enough for our elected officials to support and help keep Medicare Advantage strong.
In case it isn’t, however, lawmakers in Washington—including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries—should remember that seniors vote with their pocketbooks and protecting Medicare Advantage is very much a pocketbook issue. In fact, a poll from just before the 2024 elections shows that 86% of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries would be “less likely” to vote for a member of Congress who supported cutting funding for the program.
Given the strong majorities of Black and Brown seniors enrolled in the program, protecting Medicare Advantage should be a Democratic priority this year, especially if Party leaders like Sen. Schumer and Rep. Jeffries want a shot at taking back one or both majorities in next year’s midterms. Seniors will support lawmakers who help protect their ability to obtain affordable healthcare and remain vital, valued parts of their communities—and they will also remember those who fail to act.
Over generations of work and societal contributions, seniors have helped build and shape the communities in which we live. We should return the favor and work to give them the financial and medical peace of mind they need and deserve by protecting Medicare Advantage, which does so much to safeguard both their physical and mental health.
Sen. Schumer and Rep. Jeffries—as well as New York’s entire congressional delegation—should work to make Medicare Advantage a priority. Keeping this program strong and well-funded next year and for years to come will help protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community, here in Brooklyn and throughout the country.
Michael Boomer is the Democratic District Leader for the 57th Assembly District.
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