Ann Marie Buerkle: “The President assured American seniors that under his health care package, their insurance plans would not be affected…”

“The President assured American seniors that under his health care package, their insurance plans would not be affected and that they would have the same health care choices as before the law. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, this is not the case. The President's health care law makes drastic cuts to the popular Medicare Advantage program of more than $136 billion. With these cuts, Mr. Speaker, Medicare Advantage plans will be forced to make significant adjustments, including reductions in what they cover. Those reductions will limit seniors' ability to choose the Medicare plan that best suits them. It is important to note, Mr. Speaker, that the cuts will hit low- income seniors and the disabled with disproportionate cuts. About 70 percent of the cuts will be imposed on those with incomes below $32,400 per year. The President's cuts will give the 120,000 seniors in my district who choose Medicare Advantage few choices and increased costs. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work with me to protect Medicare Advantage. ____________________”