Medicare

I oppose Republican efforts to change Medicare from an entitlement to a voucher program for individuals aged 54 and under. It is simply unfair to balance the budget and make cuts to this vital entitlement program without even considering all options to balance the budget. This voucher program does not keep pace with medical costs, shifting thousands of dollars of costs onto individuals. For those currently on Medicare, it also raises costs for seniors and individuals with disabilities enrolled in Medicare, reduces their benefits, and puts private insurance companies in charge of the program. For current beneficiaries, important benefits – such as closing the hole in Medicare's drug coverage – would be immediately eliminated.