Center for Medicare Advocacy: President Punts Medicare…

ThePresident punted on Medicare in his State of the Union address, lumpingtogether Medicare with Medicaid and Social Security and tellingCongress to fix them.    The Center forMedicare Advocacy works on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries to ensurethey get the health care they need. “We are happy to take up thePresident’s challenge,” says Judith Stein, Executive Director of theCenter for Medicare Advocacy. “The way to support traditional Medicareand end billions of dollars in unnecessary government spending is tocut the $150 billion subsidies being paid to private Medicare plans.This windfall to private corporations undermines traditional Medicare,threatens its future, and burdens taxpayers,” says Stein.  “Instead of giving $150 billion to corporations, give it back totaxpayers,”  Stein states.  “If the President’s challenge is real, theanswer is clear.  Stop pretending privatizing Medicare saves money andoffers better care. Cut this ‘earmark’ to private insurance companies.This will sustain Medicare, and help the economy.”  “Congress and the President should support traditional Medicare, saysStein. “It is a proven, cost-effective way to provide access to healthcare for older people and people with disabilities.”  “In fact,” Steincontinues, “traditional Medicare is a model for a fair, uniform, andcost-effective health insurance program.”
                   
Judith Stein is available for comment.