James Oberstar: “Medicare is the most successful health initiative in American history--improving the quality of life for America's…”

“Medicare is the most successful health initiative in American history--improving the quality of life for America's senior citizens, extending their longevity, and relieving their anxiety about affording the health care they need. For the past several years, Democrats in Congress have worked tirelessly for affordable, comprehensive, and guaranteed coverage for prescription drugs under Medicare. This week, the Republican majority in Congress is poised to pass legislation that will require seniors to pay significant out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, will eliminate employer-provided health care coverage for 2.7 million retirees nationwide, and will ultimately undermine the entire Medicare program. Simply put, the Republicans brokered a deal that prioritizes the pharmaceutical and the insurance industries over providing a comprehensive benefit to seniors and the disabled. I am particularly concerned with the inclusion of 'premium support,' a misguided proposal that will undermine Medicare. Instead of providing a Medicare prescription drug benefit for seniors, congressional Republicans have embarked on a radical and untested social experiment that threatens the future of Medicare.”