Carson Votes to Protect Seniors from Hike in Medicare Premiums
September 24, 2009
September 24, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman André Carson today joined his House colleagues to pass legislation that will protect millions of seniors and several cash-strapped states from unfair increases in Medicare Part B premiums.
Without Congressional action, 27 percent of Medicare enrollees—or 11 million people— would see their Part B premiums increase from $96 to upwards of $120 per month. The hike is tied to current law, which requires Part B premiums to cover a percentage of the program's costs
These hikes would directly threaten the pocketbooks of four million new enrollees and retirees, as well as state budgets, which cover premiums for seven million low-income seniors.
The Medicare Premium Fairness Act passed today protects all Medicare enrollees from increases to Part B premiums, keeping monthly rates at $96.40 in 2010.
"In this tough economy, the last thing our seniors need is an increase in Medicare costs," Congressman Carson said. "Today's vote protects against that in the immediate term, but our seniors deserve more.
"Through comprehensive health-care reform, we can deliver better care and lower costs for Medicare enrollees. We can eliminate co-pays for all preventive services, fill-in the infamous ‘donut hole' to ensure seniors can afford their prescription drugs, and make Medicare more solvent for the long run."
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