WASHINGTON – Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers voted today to protect Medicare Advantage coverage for thousands of senior citizens in West Michigan. Congressman Ehlers voted against the Children’s Health and Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act. The bill would cut Medicare Advantage coverage to senior citizens in the Third District in order to cover an expansion to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which is known as MIChild in Michigan. Congressman Ehlers strongly supports expanding SCHIP coverage, but says it should not be done at the expense of Medicare Advantage recipients.

“I find it reprehensible that this bill would cut health coverage to some of the most vulnerable residents in my district,” Ehlers said. “While I support efforts to expand affordable health care coverage to children, I do not believe it should not happen at the expense of senior citizens.”

The bill that passed in the House today would result in 3.2 million people nationwide and around 180,000 in Michigan losing Medicare Advantage coverage. The bill also cuts payments to many Medicare providers.

“The SCHIP is a good program, and it needs to be reauthorized,” added Ehlers. “But, I cannot support a bill that limits Medicare coverage options for senior citizens in my district.”