NJ RETIRED EDUCATORS ASSOCIATIONS ASK MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO SUPPORT MEDICARE ADVANTAGE FOR RETIRED PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES

NJREA and SCREA Leadership Send Letter to NJ Congressional Delegation 

Requesting They Protect Medicare Advantage from Harmful Cuts

TRENTON – Representing nearly 28,000 public school employees throughout the state, the leadership of the New Jersey Retired Educators Association (NJREA) and the Somerset County Retired Educators Association (SCREA) sent a joint letter to New Jersey’s congressional delegation calling on their electing representatives to protect Medicare Advantage benefits for retired New Jersey educators and employees.

The letter follows below:

Dear Members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation:

The undersigned New Jersey education organizations call on members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation to help protect access to high-quality, affordable health care coverage for America’s retirees and seniors by supporting a strong Medicare Advantage program.

Educators dedicate their lives to public service—teaching, mentoring, and guiding New Jersey’s next generation. After decades of hard work, they deserve retirement security that includes dependable, comprehensive healthcare coverage. Retiree health plans provided through employers and unions play a critical role in connecting many Medicare Advantage beneficiaries with the services that lead to better health outcomes and a stronger quality of life.

While the number of large U.S. employers providing retiree health benefits has declined, Medicare Advantage has become increasingly popular among those that still offer this support. According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation study, more than half (56%) of large employers offering retiree health benefits to Medicare-age retirees in 2024 do so through a Medicare Advantage plan—more than double the share in 2017 (26%).

That growth makes it even more important for lawmakers to ensure Medicare Advantage remains on stable financial footing. We were encouraged by the final Rate Notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which reflected a commitment to keeping the program strong. But Congress has to follow suit, and avoid any cuts to the program that would harm the millions of Americans who rely on it.

Medicare Advantage offers benefits that traditional Medicare does not, including integrated dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage, as well as vital supplemental services like transportation to doctor appointments, meal delivery, and in-home support.

With all the value that Medicare Advantage delivers, we ask the New Jersey Congressional delegation to continue to protect Medicare Advantage from harmful reductions and help ensure it remains a strong, stable, and affordable healthcare option for years to come.

Sincerely,

Joan Wright, President, New Jersey Retired Educators Association

Carol Shields, President, Somerset County Retired Educators Association