The Medicare Affordability Act
Legislation makes Medicare more affordable for America's middle class seniors

Congressman Robert Wexler has introduced legislation aimed at making Medicare more affordable for millions of elderly Americans struggling to pay for proper health care.  The Medicare Affordability Act confronts the disastrous fact that Medicare costs are rising at a faster rate than social security’s annual cost of living adjustment (COLA).  Wexler’s legislation limits Medicare Part B and Part D increases by matching them to the same consumer price index (CPI) used by the Department of Labor to determine COLA.

“Since President Bush came into office in 2000, Medicare premiums have more than doubled and prescription drug costs have risen by up to 500 percent. If costs continue to rise at this rate, then our seniors will soon see half their social security checks eaten up upon arrival. ” said Wexler.   “It is just preposterous that so many of America’s greatest generation are faced with the choice between affording basic medical care and paying for heat for their homes, or food to eat.  By passing the Medical Affordability Act, Congress can ensure that Medicare costs do not rise at a faster rate than the meager annual increases to social security.”

The Medicare Affordability Act also ensures that should Part B or Part D premiums exceed the consumer price index, seniors with incomes under 400 percent of the federal poverty level would ensure a subsidy from the government for amounts over the CPI.  This measure would give impetus to the Bush Administration to negotiate lower drug costs with pharmaceutical companies.  Finally, the bill provides catastrophic coverage protection by capping cost sharing at 10 percent of a senior’s income.

For complete information on this bill please see this Thomas webpage.

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