Schumer Vows Democrats Will Work To Keep GOP From Putting Medicare ‘On Chopping Block’
The leader of the Senate Democrats points to concerns that Republicans will seek to change Medicare to be a voucher program. Echoing those concerns about the future of the program, AARP has initiated online and TV ads supporting Medicare.
Newsday:
Sen. Schumer: Medicare In Grave Danger With New HHS Secretary
Sen. Chuck Schumer said that Medicare as we know it is in grave danger, just two days after Tom Price’s confirmation as Health and Human Services Secretary. At a Sunday news conference, Schumer pledged to use his new role as Senate Democratic Leader to block “efforts to weaken, wound and destroy Medicare.” ... Price’s Friday confirmation testimony suggests that under his administration, Medicare might be converted to a fixed amount voucher-based program, instead of the more flexible “modest, earned benefits for dignity and health security” that these seniors currently collect, Schumer said. (Chung, 2/12)
Columbus Dispatch:
AARP Lays Down Marker On Medicare
Throughout his presidential campaign, Donald Trump repeatedly vowed to protect Medicare because so many older Americans depend on the federal program to help cover their health-care costs. One of the most influential senior lobbying groups wants to remind Trump of his promise. And it wants to pressure lawmakers, especially Republicans, into also showing their support. (Pyle, 2/12)