Dems To GOP: Stop Lying To Seniors That Republican Budget Won’t Impact Current Medicare Beneficiarie

[ProSense]

Dems To GOP: Stop Lying To Seniors That Republican Budget Won’t Impact Current Medicare Beneficiaries

Brian Beutler

House Republicans, facing tough questions in their districts for voting to phase out Medicare and replace it with a subsidized private insurance system, are fond of pointing out that the plan they support wouldn't touch benefits for existing beneficiaries, or for people who will reach eligibility within 10 years. There are a number of problems with that plan, but top Democrats are finally pointing out the biggest one: it's simply not true.

Though many Republicans are getting jittery about their budget's Medicare plan, they're still perfectly proud of the fact that it also repeals the new health care law. But that law includes plenty of goodies for current seniors, all of which would be zapped immediately if Republicans get their way.

"The Affordable Care Act this year added an annual wellness benefit to the guaranteed benefit that seniors have," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius at a Capitol press conference Thursday.

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"Medicaid cuts would start right away, so those seniors would be the first to be impacted," Sebelius added. "The voucher plan doesn't hit for 10 years, but not only do the new benefits for every senior go away, but the dually-qualified seniors -- the poorest, oldest, sickest seniors, who are often in nursing homes, would have their benefits cut immediately."

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[OHdem10]

1. Also Seniors Prescriptions would be immediately impacted.

The Donut Hole would be opened agained and Seniors
could not afford many of the prescriptions. ACA closes
the donut hole and this would once again be opened.

[Faryn Balyncd]

2. Thank for post. K&R. This is vital.