Debate over senior health care reduced to battle 8 years ago!!

[madfloridian]

Seniors are weary of Medicare promises

SNIP....."Some elderly Iowans say they are bewildered by recent criticisms by Kerry and Gephardt of Dean's comments, in 1995, praising a congressional Republican proposal to cut the growth of Medicare spending by $270 billion. Dean says he was supporting cost containment measures that President Clinton ultimately adopted, although Clinton's were much less extensive. Some seniors say they are disappointed that the debate over health care today seems to be largely reduced to a Medicare battle eight years ago.

"I feel like my throat is being cut today with all the trouble I have paying for drugs," said Marilyn Gorn, a 69-year-old from Council Bluffs, who says half of her income goes to medication for a host of ailments. "The Democrats need to be saying how they'll pay for a drug benefit, right now, and how they can get a Congress of Republicans to go along."

Of Iowa's 2.9 million residents, almost 694,000 are over the age of 55, or nearly one-quarter, according to the US census. The elderly population in Iowa has been growing faster than in many other states, according to the census and state AARP officials, and the elderly traditionally register to vote and attend the January presidential caucuses in high numbers. Iowa also has the largest percentage of residents over the age of 85 -- about 2.2 percent, or 65,000 people -- of any state......"

Incidentally, my point was made on my other post about Medicare which got 5 responses. Posts that say things against candidates get lots and lots more than that.

Again, I ask, what are the congressional incumbents, who DO have the power now doing??? Are they stopping the Republican juggernaut to demolish Social Security and Medicare? Right now the bills are passing congress......how are your candidates voting??

[madfloridian]

1. Millions of seniors could be dropped from health care......anonymous.

From the Guardian, news of the Medicare bill:

Millions will lose insurance/drug coverage they already have!

SNIP...."Lawmakers also probably will loosen federal regulations envisioned under the proposed new Medicare prescription drug program for companies that maintain existing coverage, according to the aides, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

``No one knows with any certainty'' how many retirees would lose company-provided drug coverage should Medicare legislation become law, the nonpartisan Employee Benefit Research Institute concluded in a July study requested by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.

Lawmakers have made it clear they aren't eager to find out - particularly considering that Congress' own experts put the estimate at 4.4 million, and corporations, labor unions and the politically potent AARP are clamoring for help on the issue......"

They don't KNOW??!! They don't care is more like it. Graham's office is confused on these plans and admits it. It is outrageous for this to go on.

How do Kerry, Gephardt, and Lieberman feel about this changing of the laws to allow lesser health care for seniors? I know Kucinich would not approve. I ask because they are voting now, this week. Graham is confused apparently, and at least his office is calling and trying to find out the issues.

There is no time to sit back and ponder Dean's comments of 8 years ago. The ones who can vote right now are on the block.