In Wisconsin, a pivotal swing state, high-quality, affordable healthcare will be one of the most significant issues driving senior voters to the polls. For communities of color, who have historically faced significant barriers to care, the stakes are exceptionally high.
A 2024 Commonwealth Fund Health Disparities report quantified the profound health disparities that exist across racial groups in Wisconsin and the rest of the country. Healthcare systems consistently performed poorly for Black, Hispanic, and American Indian and Alaska Native communities. These groups faced significantly higher rates of preventable deaths and are more likely to lack insurance coverage or delay care due to rising costs.
For many of my constituents, Medicare Advantage has emerged as a vital resource for breaking down these longstanding barriers to care. Nearly 69% of Latino seniors and 65% of Black seniors choose Medicare Advantage plans. The high enrollment serves as a testament to the program’s success in addressing some of the unique concerns our communities of color have when it comes to their healthcare.
A significant factor in health equity is having a diverse healthcare workforce. The coverage that Medicare Advantage provides gives patients of color increased options when it comes to choosing their healthcare provider. When patients have access to healthcare providers of similar backgrounds, they tend to have improved experiences, and they tend to utilize healthcare more frequently, leading to better outcomes overall.
The holistic coverage that MA provides also helps address the root of a lot of the social determinants of health that often impact communities of color. As the first African American elected to the Wisconsin Legislature from Dane County, it is my responsibility to advocate for the marginalized communities I represent who face a unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to seeking out the healthcare they need.
Medicare Advantage plans go beyond traditional Medicare, offering benefits that meet the diverse needs of our communities—addressing everything from dental and vision care to transportation and home-delivered meals. These wrap-around services are essential for people who may struggle with transportation or need help managing chronic conditions in their own homes. For seniors in underserved neighborhoods, these services aren’t just beneficial; they are life-changing.
Protecting Medicare Advantage is about more than just healthcare—it’s about ensuring that all Wisconsinites, regardless of their race, income, or ZIP code, have the opportunity to live healthy, dignified lives. This is especially true for communities of color, where families may be juggling multiple jobs, limited access to healthcare resources, and other systemic barriers. Medicare Advantage helps bridge these gaps, offering coverage that isn’t just affordable but also responsive to the unique needs of our communities.
In this election, voters need to know where their candidates stand on Medicare Advantage. Politicians who support this program are standing with our seniors, our working families, and our communities of color. Medicare Advantage is working, and we must make sure it continues to be there for the people who need it most.
