Al Franken: “I rise to talk about Medicare solvency. I know that to many people the words ``Medicare solvency,'' which is the ability…”

“I rise to talk about Medicare solvency. I know that to many people the words ``Medicare solvency,'' which is the ability of the Medicare program to meet its financial obligations, sounds like an invitation to a nice nap. You and I pay into Medicare every month, and we need to know that the benefits we paid for will be there when we need them, and not just that. I need to know Medicare will be around to cover my daughter and my new grandson when they become eligible. That is what Medicare solvency is about. A couple of weeks ago we got some good news. According to the annual report released by the Medicare board of trustees, Medicare will stay solvent for 2 years longer than previously estimated. There are a lot of things that are contributing to Medicare solvency, but one big thing is health reform. In fact, Medicare will be solvent for a total of 9 years longer than before we passed health reform. Let me say that again. The life of Medicare is 9 years longer today than it was before we passed health reform. HHS Secretary Sebelius said: The Affordable Care Act has helped put Medicare on more stable ground without eliminating a single benefit. The point is that health reform is not just about making our health coverage more comprehensive, it is not just making sure when we get sick we can get the care we need, it is also making Medicare more efficient.…”