DENNIS A. CARDOZA: “I must voice strong opposition to any provision in the Medicare conference that would put my seniors at risk of higher…”

“I must voice strong opposition to any provision in the Medicare conference that would put my seniors at risk of higher premiums and reduced quality of care as this so-called premium support would do. The House plan includes provisions that would for all intents and purposes, I believe, could spell the demise of Medicare system as we know it. In the year 2010 Medicare beneficiaries would be given something similar to a voucher that they could use to purchase health care services in what the majority would have you believe would be better than the Medicare system provides. The move creates a defined contribution system in one that for decades has been a defined benefit. Just trying to explain it to my constituents at home has been a trying experience. Medicare has always been a program that you are eligible to receive at age 65. In the current program, once you reach that golden age, you know exactly what you are going to receive and exactly what services you are going to be covered with. Premium support creates a situation where seniors will receive a benefit determined by their health, by where they live, or by what they are willing to risk. Why do we not put our resources, Mr. Speaker, into crafting a Medicare bill that will actually help those who need the assistance? Why do we not close the doughnut hole?”