VIDEO: Ricketts Hosts Aging Committee Field Hearing on Medicare, Medicare Advantage
February 23, 2024
OMAHA, NE. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) hosted a Special Committee on Aging field hearing on the challenges and opportunities with enrollment for Medicare and Medicare Advantage. The field hearing took place at the Douglas County Health Center in Omaha.
“I really appreciate everyone coming here to discuss the Medicare and Medicare Advantage enrollment program and application process and how confusing and cumbersome it can be for older Americans and their loved ones,” Ricketts said.
“What I hope for this hearing is that we’re going to be able to clear up some of the questions, surface some issues, and educate people about what they should be thinking about with regard to Medicare and Medicare Advantage,” Ricketts added.
“According to a recent report, one of the biggest challenges with Medicare Advantage plans is poor patient education,” Ricketts concluded as he began questioning witnesses. “Despite the difficulties that many seniors and caregivers face, there are a number of available resources that can help Nebraskans, and we hope to cover that in the hearing today.”
Watch video of the field hearing HERE.
Hearing witnesses included:
- David Lange, a Medicare Applicant from Plattsmouth, NE
- Jana Danielson, Vice President for Revenue Cycle at Nebraska Medicine
- John Trapp, M.D., System Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Bryan Health
- Kierstin Reed, Chief Executive Officer for LeadingAge Nebraska
- Jina Ragland, Associate State Director of Advocacy and Outreach for AARP Nebraska