Six months ago, I went to work on behalf of the people of 7^th District.  During these first six months, I have been extremely busy tackling the issues of most importance to you, my constituents.  I have worked to encourage economic growth and job creation by cutting federal spending and lowering the regulatory and tax burden of job creators, especially small businesses.

I have also worked to lower the pain at the pump by voting with my colleagues in the House to pass H.R. 1229, H.R. 1230 and H.R. 1231, a series of bills entitled the American Energy Initiative, in an effort to expand American energy production. These three bills are intended to help remove roadblocks to expanding domestic exploration efforts that facilitate job creation and U.S. energy independence.

And finally, I have worked to save and secure Medicare for both now and the future.  My Republican colleagues and I have put together a plan that gives consumers choice in their health care decisions and puts Medicare on a pathway of long-term sustainability; the other side has done nothing and is content to allow Medicare to continue down its unsustainable path of bankruptcy by 2021, ultimately causing benefits to disappear for millions.  Since there has been significant misinformation about the plan to secure Medicare, I want to address a few frequently asked questions.

I have heard that this plan ends Medicare, is that true?

No, this budget plan saves Medicare.  According to an estimate by the Congressional Budget Office, a non-partisan entity, Medicare is heading towards bankruptcy by 2021.  The Trustees for Medicare say that if there is no corrective legislation enacted, Medicare’s assets will be exhausted in between 7 and 19 years.   This budget plan protects Medicare so that benefits will be available for future retirees.  A failure to act now poses the gravest threat to the health and retirement of America’s seniors.

I am currently a Medicare beneficiary or will be one within the next ten years.  Will my benefits change?

No, the 2012 plan does not affect anyone who is 55 or older.  It protects and preserves current Medicare benefits for those who are in or nearing retirement.

There are rumors that this budget cuts $30 billion from Medicare over 10 years.  If there are no changes for current beneficiaries, how is this possible?

This budget plan implements some common sense reforms such as putting curbs on frivolous lawsuits.  Abusive and frivolous lawsuits increase health care costs and reduce access to care.  Patients should and will have a right to fair representation and compensation; however current tort laws all too often benefit trial lawyers and drive up costs.

This editorial was published in the BC Senior Times on June 19, 2011.