Ds support Medicare. Rs don't.
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
The GOP is trying to break a promise we made to seniors almost 50 years ago. That promise is simple: we'll make sure you have the basic medical care you need.
Apparently, that's too much for the GOP. Last Wednesday, I was proud to hear President Obama vow that he wouldn't let that happen on his watch. He took on Rep. Paul Ryan's budget, which ends Medicare as a guaranteed program for seniors. Instead, it takes that money and gives the wealthiest Americans still more tax cuts.
I don't buy into the Republican myth that our country can't afford to take care of its citizens.
Our President laid out a budget plan that reduces the deficit and protects the commitments we make to our seniors. This is an inspiring vision, but having seen the Tea Party in action I know he's going to need all of us in his corner. I want to keep the promise of Medicare for every future generation, which is why I need fighting Democrats all across America to stand up and join me.
Thanks for your continued support,
Anthony
Comments (2)
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When they praise Ryan for "at least having put a plan on the table" - why doesn't someone respond? We did this last year and the year before? A solution was on the table to reform Medicare in ’09. The conservatives (Rep and Dem) rejected it. Stop back-peddling (Schumer was practically stuttering) and Double Down.
Put our plan – back on the table.
EXPAND IT.
Allow 55 and older, anyone in a high-risk group, Medicaid eligible, hospice eligible, and VETERANS to buy in. Expand it.
Strengthen Medicare by allowing those who want it, who need and who would benefit from it – to BUY in. You can get the actuaries to concur. Can't you speak for us Anthony?
Those of us who want health insurance we can depend on, we can TRUST – a plan who’s purpose is not to make profits at the cost of our health – want Medicare. We want to be free to buy it. We’re also willing to pay, to insure that the best providers will accept Medicare rates.
The only reason Medicare is the answer, is due to the established administrative structure, which can administer the program without 60% of our premiums being spent on overhead, marketing, CEO salaries, stockholder’s dividends. Those savings can be spent on doctors, hospitals, research and care. The money will go to health Care, rather than health administration.
Could you at least raise this question: If Ryan’s plan suggests future generations are not going to get the same promised entitlements – Medicare and SS – which generations have been paying for – how will the government justify collecting 18% of every working person’s income?
Won’t someone ask – what are you taking it for? If it’s not going to be there, a guaranteed program to cover my healthcare needs and a small supplemental income, isn’t that an instant 18% tax hike? What does Grover Norquist say about that? And if the gov’ doesn’t continue collecting the 18%, how will it be able to continue paying for those currently receiving benefits? How does Ryan suggest we pay for the benefits he says are guaranteed?
PLEASE ASK: How much will it really cost to enact a plan (overhaul) like Ryan’s?
Could you suggest:
Make it a voluntary program. Let those who want it, continue paying in. Let those who need it early buy in. Let those who reject it continue buying premium insurance from high-cost private providers, which whittle away at their benefits. If it were a truly free system, no mandates, by choice alone – Medicare would prevail. 78% say they want it. Imagine!! A health insurance plan with 78% of the population enrolled. Imagine all those premiums pouring in voluntarily. With that kind of cash infusion, do you think we can make Medicare float?
