Retired teachers in North Carolina got some unwelcome news this summer. Starting next year, those of us on Medicare Advantage through the State Health Plan will face higher costs for a number of medical services, along with higher out-of-pocket limits.

I taught in Harnett County for many years. My pension has been the same number every month since I retired, meanwhile, medical costs have not. When they go up, the difference has to come from somewhere else in the month and I'm left with the burden of figuring out how to pay.

That's why I pay close attention when I hear discussions in Washington about Medicare Advantage. Seniors value the program because it gives us choices and covers needs that grow with age, including dental, vision, and hearing among them, and because it means having help coordinating care when you're dealing with more than one doctor or health condition.

We've already been reminded here in North Carolina how quickly healthcare costs can change. I don't want decisions made in Washington to make things even harder.

My ask of our members of Congress is simple: hold the line on Medicare Advantage for the seniors who chose it. With the midterms coming up, I plan to remember who stood up for us. For retired teachers like me, a little more certainty would be welcome right now.