Let’s be honest—our community owes so much to our seniors.
State Rep. Inga Willis
They’re the ones who raised families, built businesses, and created the Fulton County and Georgia we know today. Our seniors are the backbone of District 55, yet many now face a tough reality. Rising costs for housing, healthcare, and daily essentials have left them struggling to make ends meet, especially in Black communities, where deep-rooted financial disparities only add to these challenges.
As the Representative of District 55, I have listened to our seniors as they share stories of sacrifice at this stage in their lives. The stage in which they should be surrounded by ease and stability. With limited income, it’s clear they deserve stronger support, particularly with reliable, accessible health care. One promising solution, which has been widely embraced by Georgia’s seniors and caregivers, is Medicare Advantage. The program has been a game-changer for seniors of color, who enroll at higher rates because of its extended benefits that help bridge critical gaps in care.
Medicare Advantage goes beyond traditional Medicare by providing extra help like transportation to medical appointments, more affordable prescriptions, and wellness services that influence preventative care. These benefits aren’t luxuries of stable health care. They are essential building blocks that improve quality of life and allow our seniors their independence.
Unfortunately, this essential support won’t last if we don’t fight to protect it. Throughout the years, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has continued to reduce funding for Medicare Advantage, and these cuts are already having a real impact. As the budget shrinks, insurance providers are forced to scale back these critical programs, leaving seniors with fewer resources. Georgia ranks among the top five states most affected by these cuts, with hundreds of thousands Medicare Advantage policyholders now facing potential disruptions in their care.
These are exactly the issues that drove me to run for reelection. When healthcare for our seniors is cut, it’s not just an empty line item within a budget—it’s their peace of mind on the line. As the daughter of two seniors, these are the realities that keep me up at night. When programs like Medicare Advantage are weakened, our entire community drastically suffers, since our Black communities are historically and unfortunately at a disadvantage for care. Seniors who have given so much should never have to worry about getting the care they deserve.
Our seniors need us to advocate for more than just healthcare; they deserve affordable housing, accessible transportation, and food security, regardless of race or income. By ensuring these essentials, we create a foundation of dignity and respect, allowing our seniors to live securely in the communities they helped build.
After this election, we have an obvious choice to stand by our seniors and ensure they receive the support they’ve earned. Electing leaders who protect Medicare Advantage and prioritize senior needs means choosing a vision for a community where disparities in care are closed, and everyone is valued.
I am committed to being one of those leaders, but this fight requires all of us. Together, we can build a future where our seniors age with dignity, respect, and the unwavering support of District 55.
Inga Willis represents the 55th district in the Georgia House of Representatives.
