Congress Can’t Afford To Waste Time Refighting Old Battles And Should Renew Focus On Creating Jobs

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid spoke on the Senate floor today regarding the Supreme Court’s decision on the Affordable Care Act and Congress’ plan to refocus on creating jobs for the American people. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

Yesterday the United States Supreme Court reaffirmed that no family should live one illness or accident away from bankruptcy.

The Court’s decision isn’t a victory for Democrats or for President Obama – it’s a true victory for the American people.

Let me give you a few reasons why.

Since President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law, more than 6 million young people have signed up for their parents’ health plans.

Because children can now stay on their parents’ insurance until they’re 26, no young person will have to defer his or her dreams to take a job that offers insurance.

Since health reform took effect, 5 million seniors have already saved about $600 each on prescription drugs. Millions more have gotten free wellness checks and cancer screenings.

That means millions of seniors have more money in their pockets for food, gas and the electric bill.

And, hundreds of thousands of businesses that already offer their employees health insurance are getting tax credits for doing the right thing.

Since Congress passed this law, insurance companies can no longer put profits ahead of people.

They can no longer discriminate against children with preexisting conditions.

They can no longer raise your rates for no reason.

They can no longer drop your coverage if you get sick.

Millions of Americans are already seeing the benefits of this law.

And soon, 30 million more who can’t afford health insurance will have access to reasonably priced insurance and quality care.

Here’s how it works. Each state will set up its own health insurance marketplace, called an exchange, which will offer a menu of private insurance plans from which people can choose.

Once these exchanges are in place, insurance companies will no longer be able to discriminate against any American with a preexisting health condition.

They won’t be able to deny you insurance because you’re sick.

They won’t be able to charge you more just because you’re a woman or because you don’t already have insurance.

And if you can’t afford the premiums, you’ll get a tax credit to help pay them.

But what if you’re one of the 250 million Americans who already has insurance? Nothing will change.

Nothing will change except that you’ll no longer have to worry that if you lose your job, you’ll lose your insurance.

Nothing will change except that if you get cancer or have a stroke, your insurance company won’t be allowed to deny life-saving care because you reach some arbitrary lifetime cap.

Nothing will change except that your checkups and preventive care will be free – a provision that’s already helped 54 million Americans with private insurance.

You’ll be able to keep your plan and keep your doctor. But now you – not the insurance company – will be in control.

And by August, almost 13 million people will get a rebate check from their insurance company because it spent too much on administrative costs and not enough on health care.

The Affordable Care Act is already helping millions of Americans – seniors on Medicare, children with heart conditions, students following their dreams.

And in the coming months many millions more will benefit from this law.

That’s doesn’t mean the law is perfect. Democrats have already shown we’re willing to work with Republicans to improve it.

But now that the Supreme Court has spoken, it’s time to renew our focus on the most pressing challenge facing this nation: the high unemployment rate.

Too many Americans are still struggling. And Congress can’t afford to waste time refighting old battles.

Now we need to work together to put Americans back to work.

Thanks to cooperation on both sides, I am glad to say the Senate will vote today on the transportation jobs bill conference report.

This package also includes an extension of student loan rates and flood insurance legislation.

Passing these three very important job-creating measures is a real accomplishment for Congress.

Extending the flood insurance program will allow millions of home closings to go forward at a time when our real estate market is just beginning to rebound.

Preventing interest rates from doubling on 7 million students was a major priority for Democrats and for President Obama.

And passing the two-year transportation bill will create or save 2.8 million American jobs – many of them in the hard-hit construction industry.

It will also restore millions of miles of crumbling roadways, railways and bridges.

This has been an incredibly productive week. And it tops off a fruitful session.

This month we passed a bipartisan farm bill that will give certainty to an agriculture industry that supports 16 million jobs.

I am optimistic the Senate will maintain a spirit of collaboration during the next work period, when we will consider a number of other job-creation measures.

I hope all my colleagues have a constructive week in their home states, and a safe and happy Fourth of July.

And I hope they come back rested and ready to work on in July, because we have a lot to get done next month to ensure this country’s economic future.

I look forward to taking on that challenge together.

“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court to uphold the Affordable Care Act is a win not only for the millions of Vermonters and other Americans who have long been victimized by a deeply flawed health care system, but for all Americans who will benefit as we continue to implement this landmark law.

“Over much of the last century, generation after generation has unsuccessfully grappled with how to answer complex and increasingly urgent questions about how to let every American have access to quality, affordable health insurance.  Out of control costs were eating our economy alive and forcing many employers to drop insurance for their workers.  The Affordable Care Act at last answered those questions.  Though no bill is perfect, these are good reforms, long needed by the American people, by American businesses and by the American economy.

“The nation and every American household now would be best served if this historic decision puts an end to the years of partisan attacks and obstruction of efforts to help the millions of Americans who have fallen through the cracks, and millions more who worry with good reason that they may fall through the cracks of our broken health insurance system.  The Court has spared the American people a return to those decades of spiraling problems and uncertainty that reached into every American household.

“The Court’s decision reaffirms what I have believed since the Senate debated and passed this law: Congress has the power under the Constitution and the Court’s own, long-standing precedent to protect Americans from abuses by health insurers and to help give all Americans with access to affordable health care, including some of the most vulnerable among us like children and older Americans.

“In passing the Affordable Care Act, Congress built on the cornerstones of modern America like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, to strengthen the Nation’s social safety net and help protect hardworking Americans.  I have served in the Senate for 37 years, through seven presidencies.  I am one of the few people in the Senate today who can say that I served alongside representatives who voted to create our nation’s Social Security system, voted for the G.I. bill, passed the Voting Rights Act, and created Medicare, Medicaid, and Head Start.  Congress has come together to refine the laws establishing these programs.  We should similarly come together to further improve the Affordable Care Act where needed.  It’s time to stop the political posturing.  Congress works best for the American people when we are able to come together to solve national problems.  America is stronger when we do.”

Statement Of Senator Max Baucus (D-Mt.)
Chairman, Senate Finance Committee

“This is a win for millions of American families, small businesses, and seniors who are getting more affordable health care, tax cuts, and protections from insurance company abuses thanks to this law.  Now it’s time to put politics aside.  We need to move forward and find ways to work together to put America back on track.”

Statement Of Senator Tom Harkin (D-Ia.)
Chairman, Senate HELP Committee

 “Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is a rigorous, resounding confirmation of the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.  It is great news for America’s families and businesses, and for our economy.  This decision keeps consumers, rather than insurance companies, in the driver’s seat, and protects the more than $1 trillion in deficit reduction included in the ACA. Today’s decision allows us to continue our work replacing the current sick care system with a genuine health care system – one focused on wellness, prevention, and public health, keeping people out of the hospital in the first place.

“I am heartened to see that the hundreds of millions of corporate dollars poured into the effort to kill the Affordable Care Act did not win. This law is a critical step in the right direction; I have likened it to a starter home, suitable for improvement.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sensible changes as we continue to implement the law.  I invite them to bring their tool kits, rather than their sledgehammers, so we can work together to improve the law.

“The choice is to go forward, or be dragged backward.  I believe the great majority of Americans want to go forward – and today the Supreme Court made clear what we have long known: that the opposition is standing on the wrong side of history.  Now let’s get back to work building a health care system that works not only for the healthy and wealthy, but for all Americans.”

Soon, every man woman & child in America will have access to health insurance they can afford & vital care they need: bit.ly/OzwFbs

— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) June 28, 2012

Today’s #SCOTUS ruling on #ACA is a victory for the health care security and stability of Washington families. –PM #HCR

— Senator Patty Murray (@PattyMurray) June 28, 2012

A great day for America! #ACA

— Tom Harkin (@SenatorHarkin) June 28, 2012

#SCOTUS ACA decision shows the time for fighting over healthcare validity is over. Congress shd focus on #1 issue: jobs

— Chuck Schumer (@ChuckSchumer) June 28, 2012

More on @msnbctv “I hope Democrats and Republicans will continue to work together to provide affordable healthcare for all Americans. “- Ben

— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) June 28, 2012

Today’s decision creates a clear path forward. We must now focus on how to best deliver affordable, high-quality care for every American.

— Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) June 28, 2012

#SCOTUS #ACA decision is a big win for #VTers and millions of Americans who have long been victimized by a flawed health care system

— Sen. Patrick Leahy (@SenatorLeahy) June 28, 2012

All Americans should have access to health care. Today, the Supreme Court validated that principle by upholding the Affordable Care Act.

— Sheldon Whitehouse (@SenWhitehouse) June 28, 2012

The #SCOTUS decision today is great news for America’s families, who deserve affordable health care. #ACA

— Sen. Barbara Boxer (@SenatorBoxer) June 28, 2012

#SCOTUS #ACA ruling is a #victory for lower health care costs and greater access to quality care for all New Jerseyans and all Americans.

— Sen. Robert Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) June 28, 2012

The #ACA is already making #healthcare more affordable, accessible, and reliable for thousands of Arkansans: healthcare.gov/law/resources/…

— Senator Mark Pryor (@SenMarkPryor) June 28, 2012

Today #ObamaCare became #AmericaCare & I will fight GOP efforts to turn back the clock on affordable, accessible health care 4 all Americans

— Sen. Robert Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) June 28, 2012

Impt scotus decision/now critics need to end scare tactics/propose something! bit.ly/N7mpRU #ACA #SCOTUS

— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) June 28, 2012

Historic Supreme Court decision means access to affordable health insurance is finally a reality for Californians. bit.ly/LRyBHf

— Sen Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) June 28, 2012

I applaud today’s decision to uphold the health care reform law. This is a huge win for South Dakotans and the nation. johnson.senate.gov/public/index.c…

— Senator Tim Johnson (@SenJohnsonSD) June 28, 2012

Carl statement on SCOTUS ruling: “Important step toward universal health care.” FULL STATEMENT: levin.senate.gov/newsroom/press…

— Senator Carl Levin (@SenCarlLevin) June 28, 2012

Now, after #ACA decision, let’s come together 2 solve problems, strengthen the economy and create more jobs leahy.senate.gov/press/press_re…

— Sen. Patrick Leahy (@SenatorLeahy) June 28, 2012

“today’s decision ensures middle class families will have access to invaluable patient protection”- Ben twitter.com/SenatorCardin/…

— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) June 28, 2012

Glad #SCOTUS affirmed the constitutionality of #ACA. Now, let’s get back to focusing on #jobs. bit.ly/MVBVnl #HCR #COPolitics #COjobs

— Mark Udall (@MarkUdall) June 28, 2012

#SCOTUS upholding #HCR is a victory for all Americans that will give #RI families access to more affordable coverage. bit.ly/LiOVRU

— Senator Jack Reed (@SenJackReed) June 28, 2012

Thanks to #ObamaCare, 3.3 million in #NJ no longer have lifetime limit on their health benefits. #Upheld

— Frank R. Lautenberg (@FrankLautenberg) June 28, 2012

Today is a good day for millions of Americans who have pre-existing conditions who can no longer be rejected by insurance companies. -B #ACA

— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) June 28, 2012

I am proud of my work to make #ACA a reality. Its benefits are clear: ↓ deficit, ↑ access and affordability & improves health outcomes

— Mary Landrieu (@SenLandrieu) June 28, 2012

Statement from Senator Coons on #SCOTUS decision on Affordable Care Act bit.ly/NRW6Uj #netDE

— Office of Sen. Coons (@SenCoonsOffice) June 28, 2012

#SCOTUS #ACA decision also helps the Latino community keep the benefits they gained under the law #AmericaCare twitter.com/SenatorMenende…

— Sen. Robert Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) June 28, 2012

Today’s health care ruling ushers in a new era of affordable and accessible healthcare for all Americans…. fb.me/1Uozb8gXZ

— Ben Nelson (@SenBenNelson) June 28, 2012

This law is already helping thousands of people in #NH and it’s going to help thousands more #SCOTUS #ACA on.fb.me/N7IgbT

— Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (@SenatorShaheen) June 28, 2012

“This decision preserves not only the health care law, but also the Supreme Court’s position as an institution above politics. Just as Speaker Boehner vowed not to spike the football if the law was overturned, Republicans should not carry on out of pique now that the law has been upheld. Democrats remain willing to cooperate on potential improvements to the law, but now that all three branches of government have ratified this law, the time for quarreling over its validity is over. Congress must now return its full-time focus to the issue that matters most to the public, and that is jobs.”

I’m pleased to see the Supreme Court put the rule of law ahead of partisanship, and ruled the Affordable Care Act constitutional.

Millions of Americans are already seeing the benefits of this law.

Seniors are saving money on their prescriptions and checkups.

Children can no longer be denied insurance because they have a preexisting condition, a protection that will soon extend to every American.

No longer will American families be a car accident or heart attack away from bankruptcy.

No longer will they live in fear of losing their health insurance because they lose their job.

No longer will tens of millions of Americans rely on emergency room care – or go without care entirely – because they have no insurance at all.

Soon, virtually every man, woman and child in America will have access to health insurance they can afford and the vital care they need.

Passing the Affordable Care Act was the greatest single step in generations toward ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for every American – regardless of where they live or how much money they make.

Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress continue to target the rights and benefits guaranteed under this law.

They would like to give the power of life and death back to insurance companies.

But the United States Supreme Court has spoken. This matter is settled.

No one thinks this law is perfect. But Democrats have proven we’re willing to work with Republicans to improve the Affordable Care Act.

Millions of Americans are still struggling to find work. Our first priority must be to improve the economy.

It’s time for Republicans to stop refighting yesterday’s battles.

Now that this matter is settled, I hope we can work together to create jobs and secure this country’s economic future.

Republicans’ Reckless Plan Would Jeopardize Seniors’ Current Benefits and Double Their Out-of-Pocket Costs, Leaving Them At The Mercy Of Private Insurance Companies

In Letter to Vice President Biden, Senators Bill Nelson, Cardin, Brown, McCaskill and Tester Urge “Unwavering Opposition” to Medicare-Ending Proposal During Deficit Discussions

Washington, DC— Senators Bill Nelson (D-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Jon Tester (D-MT) today called for Republicans to take the House-passed plan to dismantle Medicare off the table in bipartisan deficit reduction talks. In a letter to Vice President Joe Biden, who is leading these discussions, the senators urged the administration to continue to oppose any GOP efforts to insert their plan to dismantle Medicare into a deficit reduction package.

“As the working group moves beyond areas of consensus and into parts of the budget that will require the toughest choices, we wish to identify in advance one proposal that we cannot support in any form—the House-passed plan to dismantle Medicare,” the senators wrote.

“For the good of the nation’s seniors, it must remain off the table,” the senators continued.

Despite the public’s overwhelming rejection of the GOP proposal to dismantle Medicare, many Republican leaders are insisting that the plan be part of a package to lower the debt.  House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan recently declared that the plan to dismantle Medicare is “part of the debt ceiling talks.” And last week, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell echoed that it is “on the table.”  Further, the House majority recently reaffirmed its commitment to this plan through the adoption of a rule that declares the House-passed budget shall have “force and effect.”

Numerous reports have revealed the devastating impact the GOP’s Medicare-ending budget would have on the nation’s seniors.  Across the country, the GOP’s reckless plan would cost 2 million private sector jobs over the next five years and increase seniors’ out-of-pocket health care costs by $6,359 in 2022 – more than double what they would otherwise pay.  Analyses also show that starting next year if the GOP plan is law, nearly four million seniors nationwide will be forced to pay $2.2 billion more in prescription drug costs, and at least one million seniors will have to pay more than $110 million more for annual wellness visits in 2012.

The senators called the GOP plan to end Medicare unacceptable, saying: “Our nation’s seniors are not responsible for the fiscal challenges we face, and they should not be responsible for shouldering the burden of reducing our deficits.”

A copy of the letter appears below.

The White House

Vice President Joe Biden

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

First Floor, West Wing

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Vice President Biden,

It has come to our attention that the bipartisan working group you are leading is making considerable progress in identifying ways to reduce the deficit. We are encouraged by the progress being made in these negotiations and stand ready to work with you towards the passage of a responsible deficit reduction package that will set our nation on a healthy fiscal course.

But as the working group moves beyond areas of consensus and into parts of the budget that will require the toughest choices, we wish to identify in advance one proposal that we cannot support in any form—the House-passed plan to dismantle Medicare.

As you know, the House-passed budget would end Medicare as we know it by destroying the guaranteed-benefit system and instead requiring seniors to enter the private insurance market. Despite the public’s overwhelming rejection of this proposal, and even after the Senate vote against it, many top congressional leaders are now saying they want the plan included as part of a package to reduce the deficit. Just last week, House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan declared that the plan to dismantle Medicare is “part of the debt ceiling talks.” Then on Sunday, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell echoed that it is “on the table.”

This proposal would never pass Congress on its own, and it does not belong in a larger deal either. It would be devastating for America’s seniors, who would see their out-of-pocket costs for health care double and the benefits they currently enjoy jeopardized.  Under this risky proposal, insurance company bureaucrats would decide what care seniors get.

We are aware the administration has rejected this proposal since its passage by the House, and we applaud your efforts to educate the American people about its serious implications. We encourage you to remain unwavering in opposition to this scheme. For the good of the nation’s seniors, it must remain off the table.

We share the goal of ensuring the long-term health of Medicare. We hope to identify delivery system reforms and other sources of savings that can extend the life of Medicare in its current form. But we will never allow any effort to dismantle the program and force benefit cuts upon seniors under the guise of deficit reduction.  Our nation’s seniors are not responsible for the fiscal challenges we face, and they should not be responsible for shouldering the burden of reducing our deficits.

Thank you again for your leadership in these budget talks and for your continued work standing up on behalf of the nation’s seniors.

Sincerely,

Senator Bill Nelson

Senator Ben Cardin

Senator Sherrod Brown

Senator Claire McCaskill

Senator Jon Tester

Having grown up in a family that could not afford health care, I know how difficult it can be to go to a doctor when you need one.

That’s one of the reasons I worked on health insurance reform. No person in the United States should go without care when they need it.

I remember an afternoon in October 1951 when my 10-year-old brother Larry fell off his bike and broke his leg. There was no money for a doctor. His leg was never set, and it eventually healed crooked.

Doctor visits were not an option in my home — not for us kids and not for my parents either. My mother’s teeth fell out one by one because she never could pay to see a dentist. She had to gum her food and couldn’t eat the meat we had, so we ate a lot of beans and rice.

Last year’s health insurance reform law provides benefits to seniors on Medicare, people with preexisting and chronic conditions, and small businesses. We have eliminated lifetime limits and made preventive care more affordable.

When writing the law, we knew it would take time to implement, and we worked to minimize the number of people who would have lost coverage before health insurance reform was fully enacted. We provided funding for employers to continue early retiree coverage and gave tax credits to small businesses — both groups were susceptible to losing coverage in the current system.

And we wanted to ensure that low-income children, the elderly, and people with disabilities would be protected, so we included an important provision requiring states to keep Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance (CHIP) strong. It prevents states from cutting Medicaid coverage for adults prior to January 1, 2014 and protects children’s coverage in Medicaid and CHIP through 2019.

Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues have introduced a bill that would unravel these stability protections, possibly denying hundreds of thousands of women and children access to health care provided through Medicaid and eliminating or cutting the Children’s Health Insurance Program, depending on the state.

Republicans argue that cutting kids and parents from Medicaid saves money. In fact, such cuts would prove quite costly. Hospitals, community health care centers, and other providers would have increasing rates of uncompensated care, leading to increased costs for everyone else.

By 2013, 400,000 deserving people — two-thirds of them children — would lose vital health care services under the Republican plan, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

The stakes get even higher in 2014. That’s when Medicaid will expand. The lowest-income citizens will be eligible for Medicaid coverage. We will truly see a decline in the uninsured in this country. But if the Republican plan becomes law, the Congressional Budget Office estimates 1.7 million children would lose health insurance by 2016. Half the states could entirely eliminate their CHIP programs, while remaining states would dangerously roll back coverage.

Medicaid and CHIP provide care for Americans who cannot afford it. Most recipients are women and children. The Republican plan would let states drastically limit enrollment and eligibility rates — and must be opposed.

There are a lot of people today who are just like my mother and brother — people who cope with unnecessary pain because they lack money. In Nevada, for instance, nearly 250,000 people rely on health services through Medicaid that they otherwise could not afford.

Medicaid and CHIP exist to provide mothers and children, among others, the safety net they need. These programs have helped reduce the child uninsured rate by more than half, to less than 10 percent, over the last decade. Without them, the health of low-income Americans would be much worse.

Helping people treat conditions that may become life-threatening is far less costly than helping people whose conditions have already reached a critical stage.

This July marks the 46th anniversary of Medicaid, an opportunity to reflect on the millions of Americans whose lives are supported or saved, thanks to its existence.

There is no better way to mark this anniversary than by making sure we keep Medicaid strong and viable, and oppose attempts to weaken it.

“Republicans need to wake up and smell the coffee: people in Nevada and across the country oppose the Republican plan to kill Medicare. We saw people’s opposition on full display during Tuesday’s special election in New York, where the central issue was the Republican plan to put insurance company bureaucrats between patients and their doctors. Last night, the Senate also sent a strong message that the Republican proposal is a nonstarter. Yet the author of this proposal, Rep. Paul Ryan, seems tone deaf on this issue, and just last night said that there will be ‘no retreat’ for Republicans on their plan to end Medicare.

“Democrats want to work with Republicans to address the challenges facing our country, including the deficit. But we will never support a plan to balance the budget on the back of America’s seniors. It’s time for Republicans to listen to the American people, drop their plan to end Medicare and work with Democrats on more responsible ways to reduce our deficit.”

For weeks, Americans old and young have been speaking out against the Republican plan to kill Medicare.

It’s not just Democrats.  Republicans have been speaking out against it, too.  Newt Gingrich called it a radical plan and “right-wing social engineering.”  Several Republican Senators have similarly spoken out, calling it what it is: a plan that would shatter a cornerstone of our society and break our promise to the elderly and the sick.

Last night, though, the most important voices were heard: American voters had their first chance to do something about it.  They went to the polls and resoundingly rejected that plan, and the candidate who ran on the promise to dismantle Medicare.

In a special Congressional election in upstate New York, the Republican plan to kill Medicare was the number-one issue.  It’s what the voters most cared about – and were most scared about.  As well they should be.

Here’s what it would do: It would turn over seniors’ health to profit-hungry insurance companies.  It would let bureaucrats decide what tests and treatments seniors get.  And it would ask seniors to pay more for their health care in exchange for fewer benefits.  That’s a bad deal all around.

What’s telling is not just that voters rejected this plan.  It’s that the Republican candidate pushing the Republican plan to kill Medicare was rejected in a very Republican district.

The district, which stretches from Buffalo to Rochester, has been in Republican hands for four decades.  It’s produced influential Republicans like Jack Kemp, who served in Congress, the Cabinet and ran on a Presidential ticket.  Last night’s special election was held to replace a Republican congressman who had won his seat by a 3-to-1 margin.

John McCain won the district in 2008.  George W. Bush won the district four years earlier.  Last year’s Republican candidate for Governor in New York lost in a landslide – but he won big in this district.  That’s how conservative it is.

Democrats in Congress – and even some candid Republicans – know the Republican plan to kill Medicare is irresponsible and indefensible.  Last night, voters showed the country and the Congress they know it, too.

…But That Just Isn’t True. The GOP Plan to end Medicare Would Re-Open the Donut Hole, Forcing Millions of Seniors to Pay More for Prescription Drugs From Day One.

Nationwide, nearly four million seniors would pay $2.2 billion more for prescription drugs in 2012 alone under the Republican plan.  [DPCC Report]

In Wisconsin, more than 69,100 seniors would pay $39 million more for prescription drugs in 2012 alone under the Republican plan.  [DPCC Report]

The Republican plan could force at least 20,400 Wisconsin seniors to pay over $2.1 million more for annual wellness visits in 2012. [DPCC Report]

…But That Just Isn’t True. The GOP Plan to end Medicare Would Re-Open the Donut Hole, Forcing Millions of Seniors to Pay More for Prescription Drugs From Day One.

Nationwide, nearly four million seniors would pay $2.2 billion more for prescription drugs in 2012 alone under the Republican plan.  [DPCC Report]

In Nebraska, more than 28,000 seniors would pay $16 million more for prescription drugs in 2012 alone under the Republican plan.  [DPCC Report]

The Republican plan could force at least 6,200 Nebraska seniors to pay over $660,500 more for annual wellness visits in 2012. [DPCC Report]

This vote is about more than public policy.  It is about priorities.  It is about whether we hold fast to our values, or break our promises.

There is a lot wrong with the House Republican budget on which each Senator is about to cast a vote.  But among the most irresponsible and indefensible ideas in it is the radical plan to end Medicare as we know it.

Doing so would break a solemn promise between our society and our seniors.  It’s a promise that for more than four decades has saved seniors from poverty, illness and worse.

The promise of Medicare is this: if you work hard and contribute, America will make sure you are protected in retirement from the hardships of affording health care.

The Republican budget would break this promise.  It would make life significantly more difficult and painful for America’s seniors.  It’s as simple and as serious as that.

The Republican plan would kill Medicare.  Even the conservative Wall Street Journal admitted this – even if most Republican Senators still refuse to face this reality.

Here’s what it would do: It would turn over seniors’ health to profit-hungry insurance companies.  It would let bureaucrats decide what tests and treatments seniors get.  And it would ask seniors to pay more for their health care – charging every senior $6,000 more every year – in exchange for fewer benefits.  That’s a bad deal all around.

Those voting for this Republican plan would be forcing seniors in Nevada to pay more than twice as much as they pay today in out-of-pocket costs.

Those voting for the Republican plan to kill Medicare would be voting to re-open the doughnut hole that we closed to help seniors afford expensive prescription drugs.  Opening the doughnut hole would send drug prices through the roof, costing 27,000 Nevada seniors thousands of dollars between now and the year 2020.

Those voting for the Republican plan to kill Medicare would also be forcing our seniors to pay almost a million dollars more for annual wellness visits.  They would make it harder for seniors to access nursing homes and long-term care, and would make at least 34 million more Americans uninsured.

The Republican plan to kill Medicare was written in the name of saving money.  But it costs seniors so much money, that it doesn’t even do that.  One study found that seniors would spend $14 more for every dollar the government saves.  That’s not effective economics – and it’s certainly not worth endangering the health of our seniors.

The Republican plan to kill Medicare is a plan that tries to balance the budget on the backs of America’s seniors.  That is a clear window into the other party’s priorities.  While it asks seniors pay more and more, it allows the wealthiest to pay less and less.  It gives even more tax breaks to those who need it the least: oil companies, billionaires and multinational companies that ship jobs overseas.

It comes down to this: The Republican plan to kill Medicare is a plan to make the rich richer and the sick sicker.

A well-worn metaphor characterizes the Senate as a saucer – as the deliberative body that cools the intense heat and occasional zeal of the House of Representatives.  In voting today down the radical Republican House-passed plan to end Medicare – in keeping our nation’s priorities straight and keeping our promise to our seniors – we are bringing our Founding Fathers’ image to life.

Arizona Republic (AZ): Anthem Audience Challenges Quayle During Presentation On Medicare. “U.S. Rep. Ben Quayle had finished a Power Point presentation on the national debt this week when members of the audience started a running commentary and flashing signs that read ‘Hands off our Medicare.’ About 225 people filed into the Fellowship Church in Anthem on Monday to hear about a $14.3 trillion budget shortfall and ways to resolve it. The gathering quickly turned into a sort of political rally, with people arguing with the freshman lawmaker who represents Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.” LINK

The Palm Beach Post (FL):At Town Hall Meetings, Critics Confront GOP Rep. West Over Medicare Cuts. “The shouting began before U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Plantation, uttered a word at his town hall meeting here Tuesday afternoon. ‘Where are the jobs?’ a man yelled from the audience as West was about to begin a slide presentation. … Democrats and their allies have turned up the volume at town halls across the U.S. since the Republican-controlled House voted to change Medicare for those now 54 and younger from a fee-for-service program to one in which the government provides subsidies for seniors to buy private insurance plans.” LINK

The Vancouver Columbian (WA): Crowd Pulls Few Punches At Herrera Beutler Town Hall. “Several hundred people showed up at Skyview High School for the session. They passed a couple dozen protesters near the entrance who hoisted signs saying, ‘Save Medicare: Tax the Rich’ and ‘People not Profits.’ Several supporters of Planned Parenthood wore pink T-shirts to protest Herrera Beutler’s vote to end federal funding of family planning services. … when she insisted that the Republican budget blueprint for 2012 ‘protects Medicare,’ a chorus of boos and catcalls and shouts of “liar” erupted in the auditorium. ” LINK

Ocean City Today (MD): Rep. Harris Told GOP Plan “Will Kill Medicare As We Know It.” “The auditorium was filled with senior citizens concerned about Medicare and, as with the numerous town hall meetings of 2009, the crowd reached pitched debate on health care issues. George Benton of West Ocean City was concerned about the costs for future generations and that costs could increase for existing beneficiaries within several years. ‘The Paul Ryan bill will kill Medicare as we know it,’ argued Benton. ‘These good people want their tax dollars to go toward their grandchildrens’ costs. We’ve been borrowing all this money from China to pay for the Iraq War and for Bush-era tax cuts on the wealthy.’” LINK

Las Vegas Review-Journal (NV): Heck Town Hall Meeting Sparks Passions. “The crowd didn’t just argue with Republican Rep. Joe Heck at a town hall meeting in Boulder City on Wednesday. The 50 people in attendance often shouted at each other, indifferent to whether the Republican federal budget Heck was there to discuss would hurt or help Medicare and the job market.” LINK

Associated Press(MN): Freshman Rep. Cravaack Defends Medicare Vote. “Terry Bell, 62, of Cambridge, criticized the slides for being inaccurate. He asked Cravaack to point out the last time Republicans produced a balanced budget. ‘Your party has added to the deficit ever since the Ford administration,’ Bell said. ‘The only time you get the least bit concerned is when the Democratic Party gets in.’” LINK

Connecticut Post (CT): Seniors Express Fear Over Possible Medicare Changes. “James Marbury has been through a lot in his 84 years. He fought in the Korean War. When he came home from fighting, Marbury, who is black, experienced rampant racism, not being allowed in certain restaurants and being forced to use a separate YMCA from his white peers. With all he’s experienced, he feels that he and other seniors have earned the right to certain protections in their old age, such as the reassurance that they’ll be able to get affordable health care whenever they need it.” LINK

KSAZ Fox News (AZ): Congressman Quayle Takes Heat for Medicare Decision. “Monday night at a town meeting in Anthem, it was Ben Quayle who got beat up a bit while meeting with his constituents. Many people in the crowd were fired up about his stance on the proposed changes to the Medicare system. Quayle favors the Republican plan which would give seniors vouchers to buy health insurance on the private market.” LINK

South Florida Sun Sentinel (FL): Rep. Allen West Faces Tough Questions At Town Hall In Pompano Beach. “Plenty were hostile. For example, one asserted that the House Republican plan to change Medicare ‘is obviously not something Americans want. Even Republicans have been backing off of this unpopular plan.’” LINK

WBFB ABC News (FL): Congressman’s Meeting Interrupted By Shouting. “Another town hall meeting organized by U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Plantation, devolved into a shouting match Monday night. About 100 people came to hear the congressman speak. Police escorted one person out of the meeting.  … ‘I didn’t agree with his explanation about Medicare. I’m very concerned about cutting Medicare and changing Medicare without looking at the revenue side,’ resident Dave King said.” LINK

Duluth News Tribune (MN): Sparks Fly In Cravaack’s Visit To Iron Range. “But it was clear that most in the audience, a diverse mixture of active and retired union members, small-business owners, visible DFL supporters and people who were busy drawing on one or more of those entitlement programs, had come to ask more specific questions or simply raise their own talking points. It wasn’t far into Cravaack’s slide show presentation — he jokingly called it ‘death by PowerPoint’ — that people began jumping in. … After the meeting, Reeths said Cravaack seemed to be ‘toeing the party line,’ he said. ‘So far, I haven’t seen any points where he’s willing to step away from the party line and say he supports some compromise; that’s very disappointing.’” LINK

Associated Press (WA): Lively Vancouver Town Hall For Jaime Herrera Beutler. “the Camas Republican fielded sometimes hostile questions about her vote to restructure Medicare and her reluctance to support raising the federal debt limit… Protesters near the entrance held signs saying, ‘Save Medicare: Tax the Rich’ and ‘People not Profits.’ Several supporters of Planned Parenthood wore pink T-shirts to protest Herrera Beutler’s vote to end federal funding of family planning services.” LINK

ThinkProgress: Rep. Webster Threatens To Kick Out Town Hall Constituent For Asking About Raising Corporate Taxes. “The town hall backlash that began last month over the Republican plan to end Medicare and extend tax breaks for the wealthy is showing no signs of abating. Rep. Dan Webster (R-FL) encountered many angry constituents Tuesday night during a town hall meeting outside Orlando. Attendees repeatedly admonished Webster for his support of the Ryan budget and pleaded with him to do more to ensure corporations pay their fair share in taxes.” LINK

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that a typical 65-year-old Medicare beneficiary in 2022 would see their out-of-pocket health care costs increase from $6,154 to $12,513 under the Republican budget.  Using that data along with cost-sharing data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the JEC has estimated out-of-pocket costs on a state-by-state basis.  While the increase varies by state, residents in all states will see their out-of-pocket expenses more than double when they turn 65 in 2022.  Residents in Florida face the largest increase –$7,383.

The report also shows that current Medicare beneficiaries will be harmed by the GOP budget, immediately losing preventive services such as mammograms and facing higher prescription drug costs.

“This new JEC analysis helps to fill in the picture on just how disastrous and costly the Republican Medicare plan is for our older Americans,” said Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the JEC.  “If Republicans have their way, traditional Medicare will no longer exist in 2022.   Instead, our elderly will get a voucher to purchase private insurance, but the voucher won’t keep pace with health care costs.   The result would be a staggering increase in out-of-pocket costs beginning in 2022.  In my state of Pennsylvania, someone turning 65 in 2022 would face a $6,300 increase in their health care expenses.  Our elderly Americans cannot afford to have their health care expenses double, but that’s exactly what the Republican plan delivers.”

The increased out-of-pocket costs result from older Americans bearing a larger share of health care costs under the Republican plan and the increase in total health care costs that results from shifting from traditional Medicare to a less efficient, more expensive voucher program.

“The Republican Medicare plan doesn’t rein in health care costs,” continued Casey.  “Instead, it simply shifts the costs onto the backs of our elderly.  The Republican ‘solution’ is providing our elderly with dramatically higher costs and less care.   Current beneficiaries will suffer and the next generation will face retirement without Medicare and without the peace of mind it offers.”

Current Medicare beneficiaries will lose key benefits under the GOP budget, the report notes.  The Republican plan reopens the donut hole – the gap in Medicare Part D that had forced beneficiaries to pay 100 percent of their drug costs after they exceeded an initial coverage limit and until they qualified for catastrophic coverage.  Additionally, the Republican plan eliminates the free annual wellness exam beneficiaries currently receive and forces older citizens to pay for preventive services such as mammograms.

Please click here for the state-by-state breakdown of the increase in out-of-pocket health care costs.

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The Joint Economic Committee, established under the Employment Act of 1946, was created by Congress to review economic conditions and to analyze the effectiveness of economic policy.

www.jec.senate.gov

Millions of Seniors In “Donut-Hole” Would Pay over $9,300 more for Rx Drugs by 2020

Senate Dems Release New National And State-by-State Report on Increased Cost Current Enrollees Would Face in Coming Years Under Republican Budget

Washington, DC— Today, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) revealed the immediate and devastating impact the extreme House Republicans’ budget plan would have on at least four million seniors across the country.  The Republican budget would reopen the prescription drug donut hole, costing each of the four million seniors who fall into the coverage gap up to $9,300 by 2020.  In total, it would cost seniors $44 billion in prescription drug costs over this time period, including $2.2 billion next year alone.  It would also force at least one million seniors and people with disabilities to pay over $110 million more for their annual wellness visits in 2012.

The Senators released a state-by-state report detailing the number of seniors who would be thrown back into the prescription drug donut hole, the additional costs seniors would pay for prescription drugs, and the number of Medicare enrollees who would pay more for their annual wellness visit under the Republican budget [LINK].

“There’s a right way to preserve Medicare, and that’s by improving it,” Secretary Sebelius said. “President Obama has begun to do just that. The Republican plan would end Medicare as we know it and impose significant costs on today’s seniors and tomorrow’s seniors. That is clearly the wrong way.”

“Since passing their reckless budget plan, Republicans have continued to make the false claim that their plan protects Medicare benefits for seniors – this is simply not true,” Senator Rockefeller said.  “Medicaid is just as important for seniors as Medicare and Social Security, and we ought to be asking Republicans why they want to slash our country’s only long-term care program.”

“The Ryan budget jeopardizes women’s health at all stages of life – it is devastating to seniors, women of child-bearing age, and even children,” Senator Mikulski said. “It continues the assault on women that House Republicans began in H.R. 1. It decimates Medicare and Medicaid, but gives a bailout to rich insurance companies. This budget is so ridiculous that it’s hard to take seriously, but I know they are serious. And I’m serious about stopping them.”

“The Republican budget would pull the rug out from under seniors in order to finance extra tax cuts for millionaires,” Senator Brown said. “If enacted, seniors would see their prescription drug costs explode and would lose access to no-cost annual wellness visits and preventive care. It would hand an $89 million prescription drug tab to split among 159,000 Ohio seniors in the first year alone. Meanwhile, seniors would see an end to Medicare as we know it through privatization. They would be handed vouchers that wouldn’t cover the cost of the health services they count on – doubling their out-of-pocket costs in the first year alone.”

“With Rhode Island seniors struggling to keep up with rising costs at the pharmacy, grocery store, and gas pump, this is not the time to tamper with Medicare by reopening the doughnut hole and taking away access to free preventive screenings,” Senator Whitehouse said.  “I will stand strong against efforts to increase the out-of-pocket health expenses of Rhode Island seniors.”

The Republican budget would also require that seniors pay deductibles, co-insurance, and copayments for many preventive services currently covered by Medicare, including mammograms; colorectal, cervical and prostate cancer screening; cholesterol and other cardiovascular screenings; diabetes screening and flu shots.

Background:

Under the Republican Plan, Nearly Four Million Seniors Will Be Forced to Pay $2.2 Billion More for Prescription Drugs in 2012. The Republican budget would “reopen” the prescription drug donut hole and cost the average senior who falls into the coverage gap approximately $9,300 between 2012 and 2020. Over that time, the Republican budget will cost seniors an estimated $44 billion in prescription drug costs, including $2.2 billion next year alone.  [HHS, 11/4/10; CBO, 3/18/11]

Under The Republican Plan, At Least One Million Seniors and People With Disabilities Will Pay Over $110 Million More For Their Annual Wellness Visits In 2012. At least 1,000,000 seniors are expected to see their physician for an annual wellness visit in 2012. These visits are critical to positive health outcomes for seniors across the country. As a result of the Republican plan, these seniors would each pay an additional $160 for the first visit and $105 for a subsequent visit. [HHS, 3/16/11; Kaiser State Health Facts, accessed on 5/5/11]

All Seniors Enrolled In Medicare Will Be Forced to Pay More for Health Care Services Under the Republican Plan. The Republican plan will require that seniors pay deductibles, co-insurance, and copayments for many preventive services currently covered by Medicare; including cancer screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies as well as annual wellness visits. Seniors could be forced to pay for many other health services that Medicare currently covers free of charge to the patient, including mammograms; colorectal, cervical and prostate cancer screening; cholesterol and other cardiovascular screenings; diabetes screening and flu shots. [HHS, 11/4/10]

“Spin can’t change the fact that Republicans’ plan reopens the doughnut hole, costing seniors more than $2 billion next year alone. No matter what they say, the fact is the GOP wants to finance their tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires by hiking prescription drug prices for seniors.”

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Myth: House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan wrote, “The House Republican budget keeps America’s promises to seniors and those near retirement by making no changes to their current arrangements.”

Fact: Under the GOP budget, Wisconsin seniors will pay $39 million more for their prescription drugs next year alone.

Myth: House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said yesterday, “Now we are also saying for today’s seniors as well as those nearing retirement, we’re not touching your benefits because we know the political peril that is attached to that.”

Fact: Under the GOP budget, Virginia seniors will pay $51 million more for their prescription drugs next year alone.

Myth: “If you are 55 and older, it would mean no changes to Medicare whatsoever,” said U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami.

Fact: Under the GOP budget, Florida seniors will pay $155 million more for their prescription drugs next year alone.

Myth: “These programs would only affect people 54 and under,” said U.S. Rep Todd Rokita (R-IN).

Fact: Under the GOP budget, Indiana seniors will pay $54 million more for their prescription drugs next year alone.

New State-By-State Report Outlines Devastating Immediate Impact On Nation’s Seniors—Next Year Alone, Seniors Currently In Donut Hole Would Pay An Additional $2.2 Billion For Prescription Drugs

Senators: ‘Extreme GOP Budget Proposal Would Start Hurting Seniors From Day One’

Washington, D.C. – Today, Senate Democrats released a new report outlining how the House Republicans’ FY2012 budget proposal will begin harming seniors immediately if passed into law.  This contradicts GOP claims that the budget does not affect Medicare for anyone 55 or older.

If the budget—drafted by Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI)—is enacted into law, it will cost the average senior who currently falls into the “donut hole” approximately $11,794 between 2012 and 2020, according to a report issued by the Department of Health and Human Services.  In all, Ryan’s budget will cost seniors an estimated $44 billion in prescription drug costs over that period, including $2.2 billion next year alone.  In 2010, approximately 3.7 million seniors fell into the “donut hole.”

“If Congressman Ryan’s budget plan were to be enacted into law, it would immediately hurt senior citizens currently enrolled in Medicare,” said Senator Charles E. Schumer, Chairman of the Democratic Policy and Communications Center.  “The oft-repeated talking point that the Republican budget won’t impact current enrollees is simply not true.”

The Republican budget plan would repeal parts of the federal health care law, including measures to close the “donut hole.”  Health reform fixed a deficiency in the Medicare prescription drug program by addressing the gap in Medicare Part D that had forced beneficiaries to pay 100 percent of their drug costs after they exceeded an initial coverage limit and until they qualified for catastrophic coverage. That gap in coverage—which totaled $3,610 in 2010—has existed since the drug benefit’s creation in 2006.

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, signed by President Obama in March 2010, seniors who get stuck in the “donut hole” will now see the costs of their brand name drugs discounted by 50 percent, phasing out the “donut hole” completely over the next ten years.

The DPPC projections for this report used data from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

Click here to download the full state-by-state report (PDF).

Wall Street Journal: Ryan Plan Would Mean “Higher Out-Of-Pocket Costs And Greater Limits To Coverage.” “The House Republican plan for overhauling Medicare would fundamentally change how the federal government pays for health care, starting a decade from now, likely resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs and greater limits to coverage for many Americans. … House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s solution is to end the current Medicare program for people born in 1957 and after.”  LINK

Associated Press: CBO: GOP Budget Raises Health Costs For Retirees. “Most future retirees would pay more for health care under a new House Republican budget proposal, according to an analysis by nonpartisan experts for Congress that could be an obstacle to GOP ambitions to tame federal deficits.” LINK

Reuters: Ryan Plan Would “Shift Healthcare Costs To Elderly Recipients.” “The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, in its analysis of the Ryan budget, cautioned that some of the Medicare proposals would shift healthcare costs to elderly recipients. Similarly, Medicaid changes would shift some costs to the states, which already are cash-strapped.” LINK

USA Today: GOP “Taking A Huge Political Risk,” Privatized Medicare “Would Cost Beneficiaries More Or Offer Them Less.” “Republicans unveiled a budget-cutting plan Tuesday that would dramatically revamp the twin health care pillars of the Great Society, taking a huge political risk that could reverberate all the way to November 2012 and beyond.Medicare, the government-run health insurance program covering about 47 million seniors and people with disabilities, would be run by private insurers and would cost beneficiaries more, or offer them less. Medicaid, the federal-state program covering more than 50 million low-income Americans, would be turned over to the states and cut by $750 billion over 10 years, forcing lesser benefits or higher co-payments. Social Security eventually would be cut, too.” LINK

Washington Post: Ryan Plan Would “End Medicare” As We Know It. “House Republicans announced a far-reaching vision for a leaner federal government on Tuesday, presenting a 2012 budget blueprint that would privatize Medicare for future retirees, cut spending on Medicaid and other domestic programs, and offer sharply lower tax rates to corporations and the wealthy… Starting in 2022, Ryan also would end Medicare as an open-ended entitlement for new retirees and begin slowly raising the age of eligibility from 65 to 67.” LINK

Politico: Prominent Expert Cited By Ryan As Validator Does Not Back His Plan. “Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) touted the help of former Clinton adviser Alice Rivlin — ‘a great, proud Democrat’— in promoting a key Medicare provision in his budget proposal Tuesday. The only problem? Rivlin said she told the Republican she doesn’t support the final version of the measure he wrote into his budget — a provision Ryan referred to generally as the ‘Ryan-Rivlin’ plan when rolling out his sweeping economic blueprint. ‘We talked fairly recently and I said, ‘You know, I can’t support the version that you have in the budget,’ Rivlin said in an interview with POLITICO. ‘I don’t actually support the form in which he put it in the budget.’” LINK

Los Angeles Times: Ryan Plan “Would Force Seniors To Pay More For Their Healthcare.” “The largest savings in their plan would come from slashing popular programs that cover about 100 million Americans. The GOP proposal would phase out direct payments to doctors and hospitals under Medicare, scale back the Medicaid program for the poor and disabled, and throw out government insurance subsidies that the new healthcare law is to make available to millions of Americans starting in 2014. That would force seniors to pay more for their healthcareand would likely make states cut back their Medicaid programs, the Congressional Budget Office concluded.” LINK

Roll Call: Ryan’s Plan “Would Still Add More That $8 Trillion To The National Debt.” “House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan’s budget blueprint released Tuesday morning cuts $6.2 trillion in spending and $1.8 trillion in taxes relative to President Barack Obama’s 10-year plan, setting up a major clash over Medicare, Medicaid and domestic spending.Still, while the plan envisions paying off the national debt sometime after 2050 principally by squeezing spending on health care and other programs, it would still add more than $8 trillion to the national debt over the next decade — reaching $23 trillion in 2021. Indeed, the plan does not come close to balancing the budget in any year over that span.” LINK

Dana Milbank, Washington Post: Ryan’s Proposal “Isn’t A Serious Budget,” “Fails At The Central Mission Of Ending The Deficit.” “The document released by the chairman of the House Budget Committee isn’t a serious budget proposal because it fails at the central mission of ending the deficit and taming the debt. Without question, Ryan makes some severe cuts: Taking hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid, ending the Medicare entitlement,and slashing planned spending on transportation, energy, education, veterans benefits, agriculture payments, counterterrorism and more. Yet for all these cuts, the Republicans’ plan increases the federal debt by more than $8 trillion over the next 10 years, and it continues federal budget deficits until nearly 2040. Under the proposed balanced budget amendment to the Constitution that Ryan and his Republican colleagues claim to support, Ryan’s budget wouldn’t be in compliance for at least the next quarter century.” LINK

Kaiser Health News: CBO: Seniors Would Pay Much More For Medicare Under Ryan Plan. “Seniors and the disabled would pay sharply more for their Medicare coverage under a new plan by House Republicans aimed at curbing the nation’s growing deficit, a Congressional Budget Office analysis shows. For example, by 2030, under the plan, typical 65 year olds would be required to pay 68 percent of the total cost of their coverage, which includes premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs, according to CBO.  That compares with the 25 percent they would pay under current law, CBO said. The GOP budget proposal also would raise the eligibility age for the politically popular program – and repeal big chunks of the health care overhaul law approved by Congress last year.” LINK

Talking Points Memo: Paul Ryan’s Absurdly Optimistic Budget Projections Draw Widespread Ridicule. “Even as Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) proudly touted his ‘fact-based budget’ and decried Democrats’ ‘budget gimmicks’ yesterday, he prominently cited the think tank’s absurdly rosy numbers, drawing widespread mockery from economists, budget experts, and health care wonks. Even the developer of the model that Heritage used to crunch the numbers can’t figure out how Heritage reached its conclusions. ‘The Heritage numbers are insane,’ MIT economist Jonathan Gruber said in an interview with TPM. As Paul Krugman put it, Heritage’s take ‘depends an awful lot on unicorn sightings — a belief in the impossible.’” LINK

Politico: Ryan’s Plan A Predicament For GOP. “Either a sudden surge of studiousness is sweeping through battleground districts, or these Republicans can smell the danger. There’s plenty of reason to be cautious: An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll last month showed fewer than a quarter of Americans supported cutting funds for Medicare and fewer than a third wanted to cut Medicaid — numbers that Republican pollster Bill McInturff called a ‘huge flashing yellow sign to Republicans.’” LINK

National Journal: GOP Hopefuls “Walking a Political Tightrope” Away from “Radical” Medicare Cuts. “Nowhere are the reforms more radical than on Medicare, and already the field of prospective Republican presidential candidates is walking a political tightrope in reaction to Ryan’s sweeping proposal to convert Medicare into a voucher-based system for people younger than 55. … a clear position on the Medicare reform proposal in 2011 could sink them and the party’s chances in 2012.” LINK

“This morning one of my friends said that passing the health care bill was a miracle in his life and his family’s life. Those are his words, not mine,” Nevada Sen. Harry Reid said today on the Senate Floor. “They could not find insurance for their child who developed diabetes. Because of the health care bill, that child is fully insured now. That’s what the health care bill is about.

“Hundreds of thousands of students have health insurance because their parents have health insurance. The IRS sent notices to 4.4 million small businesses in America to let them know that they may qualify for reduced insurance premiums. And exchanges are being set up in Nevada and across the country that will mean every American has access to insurance plans similar to the ones members of Congress have. The health care bill is a milestone in the history of this country.”

Reid said Republicans who want to repeal health care reform also want to strip away those benefits, which have proven popular with people in Nevada and across America. Their plan would put Americans’ care back in the hands of big insurance companies, whose only concern is their bottom line.

In addition to costing small businesses and middle-class families, repealing the Affordable Care Act would also balloon our deficit.  In fact, the Congressional Budget Office estimated the law will reduce this country’s debt by $1.3 trillion–a savings that would disappear if Republicans get their way.

Fr: Democratic Policy and Communications Center

Re: Republicans’ Reckless Plans Would Drive Up Drug Prices for Seniors, Put Sick Kids At Risk And Explode Our Deficit

While Democrats have moved on to creating jobs, after a year, Republicans are still obsessed with yesterday’s battles. There are various reckless Republican plans to take away benefits and protections that millions of Americans rely on, but the thing they all have in common is that they would raise taxes on small businesses, increase prescription costs for seniors, allow insurance companies to deny care to sick children and increase the deficit by more than $1 trillion over the next two decades.

As Republicans continue to refight old battles, here are a few questions for them:

1. Republicans’ long-shot plan to defund the Affordable Care Act would prevent Medicare from paying the bills for millions of seniors, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Medicare would not be able to issue payments to private insurance plans that cover a quarter of all the seniors in the program and would risk “significant disruptions in services” to nearly 13 million Medicare recipients. Are Republicans willing to put Medicare benefits for nearly 13 million seniors at risk with their extreme plan?

2. Republicans’ ideological plan to repeal health reform would increase the deficit by more than $1 trillion over two decades, and $230 billion in the first decade alone. How can Republicans support a plan that would explode our deficit?

3. About 17 million children – nearly a quarter of all American children – have preexisting conditions that could be used by insurance companies to deny them care if the health reform law were repealed. How do Republicans justify a plan that would allow insurers to deny care to 17 million children?