Congresswoman McCollum Vows to Protect and Preserve Medicare From Republican Attacks
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) issued the following statement in the House of Representatives, regarding Republican attempts to abolish Medicare for future generations.
"Contrary to what Republicans have said on the floor, the Republican budget will impose new cuts on today's seniors.
"The Republican plan repeals the Affordable Care Act, which strengthens Medicare and reduces costs. For seniors on Medicare today, the Republican plan brings back the 'donut hole' - forcing seniors to pay more for your prescription drugs. It repeals seniors' free annual checkup and gets rid of reforms to better manage their chronic conditions. The Republican plan eliminates Medicare altogether and instead hands future seniors a voucher and kicks them into the black hole of private health insurance.
"All Americans – pay attention those of you who are 54 years and younger – you have been put on notice – start saving now. In addition to savings for your retirement, you need to save for the new out-of-pocket spending your health care will incur.
"The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that seniors will be forced to pay an additional $6,000 a year on health care. That is $12,000 for a couple. And that is the best case scenario for seniors can expect.
"This plan before us today begins doubling out-of-pocket spending for seniors and it will only increase from there.
"When you dig a little deeper you realize more than half of Medicare beneficiaries today have at least five or more chronic conditions. What awful choices will seniors be forced to make when their health care costs far outstrip their voucher? Will they be able to afford their diabetes care? Will they be able to afford to go to their doctor for a colonoscopy or mammography?
"It seems to me that the only seniors who will benefit from the Republican proposal are the senior insurance executives. Vote no on the Republican plan. Vote no to save and protect Medicare for our seniors."
Congresswoman Betty McCollum serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees.
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