To the editor:

The current state of health care in the U.S. needs serious attention; surely we can all agree on that regardless of party affiliation. Many Americans have problems with our health care system. Insurance costs are through the roof for small business owners, the self-employed and middle-class people, for example.

These problems need to be addressed to improve the health care system. Medicare Advantage is not one of those problems, based on the information I’ve seen and studied. The program seems to be working well for those who need it. I’m pleased that elected officials from Kansas are working in Washington, D.C., to ensure this program is safeguarded from unnecessary changes.

Everyone should have the opportunity to use the health care program that best fits their needs without gaps in coverage. Cuts in funding for the Medicare Advantage program would have a negative impact on the current state of health care for seniors. Gaps in coverage could lead to seniors going without the medical and dental treatment they need. Many American senior citizens would suffer if programs like Medicare Advantage lose the vital funding that keeps it operational.

Lucky for seniors, Sen. Roberts and Rep. Jenkins have made it a priority to see that funding for Medicare Advantage isn’t cut. The health care system does need to be reformed, but cutting funding for programs that currently work for millions of seniors isn’t the way to start the process.