SENIOR VOTERS ARE KEY FOR GOP VICTORY IN MIDTERMS

Among the American electorate, seniors are the most likely to be registered to vote. Voter registration in the 65-74 age group is an astounding 80.5%, and among those 75 years and older, it is 80.1%.

Not only are older voters more likely to be registered, but these Americans are also the most likely to participate in elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 71.9% of Americans aged 65 and older voted. In comparison, only 48% of Americans aged 18-24 voted.

The political party that appeals most to older voters wins elections. For seniors, some of the most critical issues involve retirement and staying healthy without breaking the bank.

Presently, Republicans are clinging to an exceedingly small majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. If the GOP has any hope of retaining control of Congress, it is imperative that they listen to the concerns of seniors and help them address their healthcare needs, and an issue discussed throughout the country, “affordability.”

The key to Democrats winning in the recent special elections has been their response to voter concerns about “affordability.” Never mind that the “affordability” crisis was caused by the policies of the last administration; voters want action now.

One way to address these concerns is to ensure that Medicare Advantage remains strong and affordable. What is Medicare Advantage? It is also known as Part C, “a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare for your health coverage. These ‘bundled’ plans include Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Medical Insurance), and usually Part D (prescription drug coverage). Plans may offer some extra benefits that Original Medicare (does not).”

Not surprisingly, Medicare Advantage is very popular, with over 35 million seniors and people with disabilities utilizing the coverage. This includes fifty-three percent of all Americans eligible for Medicare benefits. It is popular for many reasons, including expanded access to provider office care and vision, dental, fitness, and hearing benefits not available with traditional Medicare.

Given the program's vital importance, it is imperative that it be protected. Unfortunately, some disturbing news was recently announced. In late January, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released their proposal for the level of federal investment into the Medicare Advantage program for 2027. This is part of an annual process that culminates in early April, when the final rates for the following year are set.

The current proposal keeps the rate nearly flat, with just a 0.09% increase. This is well below the overall increase in medical costs. Most analysts were shocked by the announcement and predicted an increase of between 4-6%.

After repeated cuts during President Joe Biden’s administration, the program, and most importantly, its beneficiaries, would be devastated by another major blow.

From fewer benefits to higher costs, the price of underfunding Medicare Advantage may be steep. When Medicare Advantage funding gets squeezed, the impact is felt immediately. Seniors see it in the flexibility of their plans, the size of the doctor networks, and the cost of their coverage. The outcomes are clear.

In the view of Ceci Connolly, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance of Community Health Plans, the minuscule increase “is disappointing and... unrealistic as medical costs and acuity continue to rise. Without sufficient payment updates, health plans and providers will continue facing challenges to invest in care coordination, supplemental benefits, and innovative approaches that improve quality and outcomes for seniors.”

According to Chris Bond, spokesperson for the trade association America’s Health Insurance Plans, “Flat program funding at a time of sharply rising medical costs and high utilization of care will impact seniors’ coverage. If finalized, this proposal could result in benefit cuts and higher costs for thirty-five million seniors and people with disabilities when they renew their Medicare Advantage coverage in October 2026.”

Thus, seniors will be renewing their Medicare Advantage coverage right before the midterm elections in November. This timing would be politically catastrophic for Republican congressional candidates. The consequences for the GOP to have angry seniors going to the polls with “higher costs” on their minds would be devastating.

Right or wrong, most voting seniors will blame the party in power, the Republicans, for their increased costs. Consequently, this becomes a critical problem for Republican Party leaders to fix, the sooner the better.

It is an especially prominent issue for Republicans, as Medicare Advantage enrollees provided critical support for President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Among counties and parishes that Trump won, there is a high percentage of Medicare Advantage enrollees (see graph below). His voters love the program, and, to maintain congressional control, Republicans desperately need this “base” of support to turnout in November.

There is real potential vulnerability for GOP congressional candidates if there is no course correction on Medicare Advantage. Stability and affordability of health care have rightfully been top campaign issues in this election cycle. It is a primary concern for families across the country.

However, the GOP cannot preach affordability and stability while simultaneously flatlining a program that matters to seniors. This is especially urgent because seniors are the largest segment of the electorate and the most likely to vote.

In the 2022 midterm election, President Trump’s own pollster referred to seniors as “the deciders” in that campaign.

Thankfully, American seniors can rely on President Trump. He has championed the senior constituency before, and he will undoubtedly do it again.

Sadly, threats to Medicare Advantage are nothing new. Last June, I wrote about the unfortunate missteps taken by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA). The President won then, and we expect him to win again now before the rates are finalized in early April.

American seniors deserve coverage that they can afford, which is exactly what Medicare Advantage provides. The job now is making sure it is still there tomorrow. The lawmakers who do that will be remembered favorably at the ballot box in November. 

Jeff Crouere is a native New Orleanian and his award-winning program, “Ringside Politics,” airs Saturdays from 1-2 p.m. CT nationally on Real America's Voice TV Network & AmericasVoice.News and weekdays from 7-9 a.m. & 6-7 p.m. CT on WGSO 990-AM & Wgso.com. He is the President and General Manager of WGSO Radio, a political columnist, the author of America's Last Chance, and provides regular commentaries on the Jeff Crouere YouTube channel and at Crouere.net. For more information, email him at jcrouere@gmail.com.