Bart Stupak: “as the 30th anniversary of the creation of the Medicare Program approaches, I am outraged that the Republicans are…”

“as the 30th anniversary of the creation of the Medicare Program approaches, I am outraged that the Republicans are trying to force the American public to swallow devastating cuts to the Medicare Program, cuts that will completely gut the Medicare Program. Every Medicare beneficiary who receives part B Medicare coverage now pays a monthly premium of $46.10. But under the Republican plan, the part B premium will go to $110 per month. That is how they get more money into the Medicare system--they make you pay more. The proposed cuts to the Medicare Program go beyond higher premiums for Medicare recipients, those whose modest household budgets and Social Security checks are already stretched to the breaking point. As a direct result of the cuts to the Medicare Program, reimbursement rates will drop, so doctors and hospitals will have to absorb a greater share of the health care costs. These costs will then be passed on to the Medicare recipients. In addition, fewer health care services will be offered to senior citizens and working families. Some doctors will not be able to accept patients, and some hospitals in rural areas will have to close their doors completely. The bottom line is these Republican cuts to Medicare will drive senior citizens and low income families into a second-class health care system.”