On the recordOctober 8, 2015
Without congressional action, Medicare premiums and deductibles will increase in 2016 by 52 percent for an estimated 7.5 million American seniors and people with disabilities. Because these folks will not be receiving a Social Security cost of living adjustment for 2016, 30 percent of beneficiaries will not be held harmless, and their premiums will increase from $104 to $159 per month. To stop rates from increasing, I have introduced the Medicare Premium Fairness Act, which will protect seniors and people with disabilities by capping premiums at 2015 levels for a year. I urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this important legislation. Seniors in our communities worked hard all their lives and saw our country through a war, Depression, and dramatic social change. At a time when every dollar counts, this critical legislation will ensure that seniors can put food on the table and buy lifesaving medication. So let's stand up for America's seniors. ____________________
