Retirees Advocate for Improved Medicare Benefits at Capitol

Retirees and advocates rally at New York State Capitol to protect traditional Medicare coverage

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:39pm

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On March 24, retirees and advocates gathered at the New York State Capitol to voice concerns about proposed changes to Medicare that could undermine the affordability and reliability of coverage that many retirees depend on. Speakers shared personal experiences highlighting the rising cost of healthcare and the challenges retirees face in maintaining consistent access to medical services.

Why it matters

Many retirees in New York rely on traditional Medicare for their healthcare coverage, and changes to the program could have significant financial and health impacts on this vulnerable population. The rally aimed to raise awareness and advocate for policies that would protect the affordability and reliability of Medicare benefits.

The details

The press conference featured several retirees who shared their personal stories about the challenges they face in affording and accessing healthcare. Laura Genovese, a retired New York City public school secretary, expressed concerns about rising costs and the potential loss of benefits she and her husband have relied on. Mary Ann Bardo, a retired NYPD officer, discussed how changes to her healthcare coverage caused her to miss critical medical treatments. Mary Kanagar, a retired paralegal, spoke about the financial burden of co-payments and the importance of maintaining access to her doctors. Evelyn Jones, a 93-year-old cancer survivor, shared her experience of being charged $1,000 for her injections.

  • The press conference was held on March 24, 2026 at the New York State Capitol.

The players

Laura Genovese

A retired public-school secretary who served New York City for 22 years and is concerned about rising healthcare costs and potential changes to her retirement benefits.

Mary Ann Bardo

A retired NYPD officer who has experienced disruptions in her medical treatments due to changes in her healthcare coverage.

Mary Kanagar

A retired paralegal who worked for the New York District Attorney's office for 45 years and is concerned about the financial burden of co-payments and maintaining access to her doctors.

Evelyn Jones

A 93-year-old retiree and cancer survivor who was charged $1,000 for her injections and is advocating for state legislators to protect retiree healthcare benefits.

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What they’re saying

“As a retiree on a fixed income, she's concerned about the rising cost of living, with her husband nearing retirement. Costs previously covered by insurance are now being shifted to them, and it adds up when they visit doctors.”

— Laura Genovese, Retired public-school secretary

“She expressed how the change in healthcare affected her the most because she couldn't receive her infusions, and due to the change, she said it caused her a great amount of 'stress and tiredness and she didn't know when she would receive her infusions and money, and she never missed a dose in 20 years.”

— Mary Ann Bardo, Retired NYPD officer

“She needs to see her doctors to stay alive and take care of her 88-year-old mother, who is also a retired civil service worker. She is hoping that the State protects the healthcare that retirees were promised and does not force them into a plan that reduces coverage and pushes for more medical debt.”

— Mary Kanagar, Retired paralegal

“She added that it's time for state legislatures to stand with them; they are either 'with them or against them'.”

— Evelyn Jones, 93-year-old retiree and cancer survivor

What’s next

The state legislature is expected to consider healthcare legislation that could impact retiree benefits in the coming months. Advocates and retirees plan to continue their push for policies that protect traditional Medicare coverage.

The takeaway

This rally highlights the critical importance of maintaining affordable and reliable healthcare coverage for retirees, many of whom rely on traditional Medicare and face growing financial and health challenges. Policymakers must prioritize protecting the benefits that retirees were promised and ensure they can access the medical care they need.