Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries -- February 14, 2012

Mr. Speaker,

In 2010, the Affordable Care Act delivered a $250 check to seniors in my District who were struggling to cover the gap between the cost of their prescription drugs and their Medicare coverage.

In 2011, these same seniors benefitted from an average savings of $648 on their medications. For my Republican colleagues who say health reform is hurting Medicare beneficiaries, I ask them to imagine spending 2 and 3 times that amount on prescription drugs per month. For most seniors, $648 is significant savings—and it is just the beginning.

The Affordable Care Act will provide more efficient care by bundling Medicare services, investing in our health care workforce, and focusing on quality. Replacing Medicare with vouchers would erase the progress we've already made toward prescription drug coverage and lead to fewer choices for beneficiaries.

I encourage my colleagues to work with me on solutions that guarantee continued access to health care for our seniors.