Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., R-Southwest Louisiana, today urged House Democrats to prevent a 50 percent increase in premium costs for medications in Medicare Part-D proposed in the House Democrats’ massive health care overhaul released today.

“Democratic leaders in the House propose a plan that would significantly increase monthly premiums for seniors by as much as 50 percent according to a CBO report,” Boustany said.  “The American people deserve an honest answer about what programs they will cut to pay for a new, government-run bureaucracy.  A $500 billion cut to Medicare could be devastating for millions of seniors who depend on Medicare for quality health care.”

According to a news report, the House Democrats’ health care overhaul will cost $1.5 trillion over ten years and be paid for with a $500 billion cut to Medicare and possible taxes on soft drinks and increased payroll taxes.  The bill could also raise premiums in the Medicare Part-D program, which provides drug coverage for millions of seniors, by more than 50 percent per month.

Boustany, a former cardiothoracic surgeon, supports providing patients and doctors with more information and more choices about health insurance and services.  By increasing choices and competition and making insurance companies more accountable to patients, the resulting lower costs will allow more families to develop a quality doctor-patient relationship.

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