On April 20, 2023, the Center for Medicare Advocacy held its 10th Annual National Voices of Medicare Summit and Senator Jay Rockefeller Lecture in Washington, D.C.
Center for Medicare Advocacy Executive Director Judy Stein, and Georgetown University Professor and President of the Center for Medicare Advocacy’s Board of Directors, Judy Feder opened the Summit. Feder noted that Medicare is nearly always in the news, and that she recently enjoyed watching President Biden spar with Medicare’s opponents during the State of the Union address— keeping them accountable for their pledge not to touch Medicare. Feder reminded those in attendance that “even without being a target in the federal budget battles, Medicare needs our attention with allies in the administration and in the work of those on the hill.”
Feder said this was why she was so proud of the work the Center is doing to keep Medicare as strong as it can be, and why she is so proud to be the CMA Board President. Feder then introduced Center for Medicare Advocacy Executive Director Judy Stein, who welcomed everyone in attendance in-person at the National Press Club and those viewing the live webcast. Participation for this year’s Summit was the highest it has ever been with over 1,000 registrants from all 50 states.
Stein reiterated how great it was to have so many people “energized to work together to make sure that we have a really active crew pushing for social and health care justice for all.” She then introduced her Regina Blye, Chief Program and Policy Officer of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.
Blye spoke to the crowd about the work the Foundation does on behalf of victims of paralysis and traumatic brain injuries and highlighted the continued partnership between her organization and the Center. She noted that she was “excited to extend our opportunities to continue our great work together,” as they have served on many boards and commissions as a team advocating for both Medicare and paralysis care.
Next, Tricia Neuman, Senior Vice President of the Kaiser Family Foundation addressed those gathered about the many people Medicare serves who are often overlooked. She shared that about “13% of people on Medicare are under 65 and qualify because of work history and because of a permanent disability.” She noted that this group is often forgotten because policy makers tend to focus solely on seniors when they discuss Medicare. Neuman helped frame the focus of the Summit with numerous other important facts, including that about half of all people with Medicare live on about $30,000 a year or less, and that 1 in 4 people with Medicare have savings of under $8,500.
Neuman was happy to report that Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act this year that “provides significant benefits to people with Part D coverage.” This includes capping out-of-pocket prescription drugs at $2,000 annually beginning in 2025, which will be a huge help to those with expensive medications they cannot live without.
Finally, Neuman asked the assembled to consider how future care for the aging population will be financed to improve affordability and allow for the setting of fair payments for health care providers and Medicare Advantage plans to meet the needs of people who are most vulnerable.
Breaking Down Barriers to Care
Moderator: David Lipschutz, Associate Director, Center for Medicare Advocacy
Ady Barkan, Founder/Co-Executive Director, Be a Hero
Rachel Madley, Health Policy Advisor, Rep. Pramila Jayapal
Wey-Wey Kwok, Senior Attorney, Center for Medicare Advocacy
John Marmarou, Founder/Executive Director, 810 MS Specialty Center
In the first panel, Breaking Down Barriers to Care, the speakers shared their experiences and insights with the audience regarding policy proposals, potential legislation and action aimed at expanding and improving the Medicare program. They discussed barriers to care in the Medicare program, including those faced by individuals with chronic and disabling conditions, and the challenges that the Medicare Advantage program poses at the programmatic and individual level.
It was noted that when discussing barriers to care specific to private Medicare plans, the government is looking into reducing the balance and payment of Medicare, increasing the scope of coverage, and easing enrollment.
The panel shared their personal experiences with conditions such as MS and ALS and noted the positive changes that have helped those living with these diseases. Especially with these conditions, time is “the most valuable resource we have,” noted Ady Barkan.
Rachel Madley spoke on behalf of Congresswoman Jayapal, saying that she hopes to “improve and expand Medicare through a variety of different policies, including Medicare for All.” Madley expressed that dental, vision, and hearing benefits should not be separate from health care, and that these should be expanded to improve Medicare and make it more comprehensive.
It was also noted that the shift in dynamics around Medicare Advantage in Congress was the result of years of advocacy by Center for Medicare Advocacy and other groups, and the deep educational effort that has been happening outside and inside Congress. Speakers noted that they were grateful that wasteful spending by the government is finally receiving attention on the hill.
While the panel showed significant optimism about a tide shift in beneficiary coverage, Wey-Wek Kwok noted that “a lot of it comes down to whether or not plans will comply and whether or not there will be oversight and enforcement on the part of the regulators.”
Sen. Jay Rockefeller Lecture
Rockefeller Lecturer: Ted Kennedy, Jr., Advisory Board, Center for Medicare Advocacy
Judy Stein, Founder/Executive Director, Center for Medicare Advocacy
Sen. Sherrod Brown, Ohio, 2007 – Present
Scott Bane, Program Officer, The John A. Hartford Foundation
The Center for Medicare Advocacy recognized The Rockefeller Lecture as part of the program, commemorating the 10th anniversary of Senator Rockefeller’s retirement from the Senate and the Center of Medicare Advocacy’s important partnership with the John A. Hartford Foundation.
Judy Stein congratulated the Center’s entire team for their tireless work to advance comprehensive Medicare coverage, health equity, and quality healthcare for older adults and people with disabilities.
Scott Bane spoke from the John A. Hartford Foundation. Bane emphasized that the Center advocates for “real people in real time, with real consequences.”
He shared that the John A. Hartford Foundation’s mission is to improve health care for older adults, to build health systems supporting family caregivers, and to work for nursing home reform, for which he noted the Center “has been a huge champion.”
Ted Kennedy was then introduced as the Sen. Jay Rockefeller lecturer. Kennedy, an amputee and childhood bone cancer survivor, was recognized for being a leader in disability rights and independent living movements for his entire life. He is a board member and past Chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and has been a tireless advocate for the civil liberties of the disabled. In addition, Kennedy is a health care regulator, attorney and partner of a national law firm. He has worked on many health care reform laws, including several which require price transparency and mental health parity.
After being introduced, Kennedy remarked that his Lecture would be more of a “fireside chat.” He explained that he has “one foot in healthcare and one foot in disability rights,” and that this summit was a great opportunity to examine these issues together.
“We’ve litigated in courtrooms, passed laws, and we know that people with disabilities are still left out and can’t get a job,” said Kennedy. “We need to think about new strategies, which is why we want to engage the court and our corporate partners.” Remarkably, companies that are leading on disability inclusion are “outperforming and have 30% higher profit margins and four times more likely to outperform their peers.”
Kennedy thanked the Center and all they have done for those with disabilities in Connecticut and nationwide, and left the audience with food for thought about what the future of care might look like, asking “how can we change the language and alert the cadre of people who live with disabilities and who rely on Medicare and who may rely on Medicare in the future, to insist that this program meets their needs of [people with] ongoing chronic conditions and conditions from which they may not improve?”
Sen Sherrod Brown appeared via pre-recorded video. The Senator thanked the Center for their work and being a “resource for everyone” then went on to thank Sen. Rockefeller for his “dedication to making Medicare a stronger better program” – and for his mentorship in the Senate. Sen Brown particularly highlighted advocacy efforts in passing the Inflation Reduction Act, with its incredibly impactful changes to Medicare prescription drug pricing. In closing, Sen. Brown quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. saying “progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability,” but due to the tireless efforts of advocates.
Alfred J. Chiplin, Jr. Social Justice & Advocacy Award
Honoree: Ai-jen Poo, President, National Domestic Workers Alliance
Judy Stein, Founder/Executive Director, Center for Medicare Advocacy
Judy Stein presented the Alfred J. Chiplin award to Ai-jen Poo. Chip was an award-winning attorney, brilliant human being, ordained minister, and a great voice for social justice. He was a beloved member of the Center’s team for many years.
Stein honored Chip by presenting the Alfred J. Chilin, Jr. Award in his name to Ms. Poo, who, as Judy explained, had just been at the White House the day prior. Stein introduced Ai-Jen as the “President of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, Executive Director of Caring Across Generations, Senior Advisor to Care and Co-Action and Trustee of the Ford Foundation. Ai-Jen is a nationally recognized expert on caregiving and the future of work and organizing.”
Ms. Poo graciously accepted the Award, saying how honored she was to be receiving recognition from the Center, as it has “fought for years and years to protect and strengthen policies and programs that we have, and we need, to live and work with dignity.”
She cited her own work’s inspiration as drawing from her grandparents — how she learned at a young age that caregiving is an “intergenerational experience.” Ms. Poo explained that this moment is about “building the kind of care infrastructure that families need to stay resilient.”
Caring for Caregivers
Moderator: Ai-jen Poo, President, National Domestic Workers Alliance
Nicole Jorwic, Chief of Advocacy & Campaigns, Caring Across Generations
Sophia Colley, Certified Nursing Assistant, 1199SEIU Florida
Pivoting off of Ai-jen Poo’s inspiring Chiplin Award acceptance was the final panel of the day— Caring for Caretakers.
Sophia Colley, a CNA at a nursing home in Florida spoke first. She explained how she never wants to get into work in the morning only to wonder if they have enough staff to care for residents. She explained her facility was often short-staffed, but that those present often went out of their way to treat patients with dignity and respect — sometimes even purchasing supplies for them out of their own pockets.
Nicole Jorwic, Chief of Advocacy and Campaigns at Caring Across Generations, also spoke of her family’s direct experience with disability that inspired her to go into this line of work. “Every care worker that I have met sees this work as more than just a job,’ she said. “This is a calling.”
Closing Remarks
Judy Stein, Founder/Executive Director, Center for Medicare Advocacy
Jeff Wiseman, Development Director, Center for Medicare Advocacy
An inspired audience was buoyed by final remarks from the Center’s Development Director and Executive Director, who encouraged the assembled to go out and “make good trouble” – as Rep. John Lewis entreated. The 10th Annual National Voices of Medicare Summit wrapped up with a networking reception to celebrate.
May 4, 2023 – R. Hulin