Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) released the following statement tonight after the Senate voted to override the President’s veto of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act.

“It’s unfortunately no longer a shock when this President puts the interests of insurance companies ahead of the millions of Americans who depend on Medicare.  By overriding this veto, Congress kept its word that there is no higher priority than ensuring our seniors and military families receive the quality health care they deserve.  Because of the Senate’s actions today, we can tell millions of families, including a half million of Connecticut’s senior citizens, that a promise made is a promise kept.”

According to the American Medical Association, Connecticut could lose $190 million in critically needed health care funding over the next 18 months to help pay for the care of elderly and disabled patients absent passage of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act.  These cuts would impact more than 489,000 Connecticut seniors on Medicare and more than 51,000 military retirees and members on active duty who receive their health care through the TRICARE program.

-30-