CMS Releases Proposed Rules for Medicare Payments

The current threat to Medicare and Medicaid is very real. The debt-ceiling debate has somehow turned into a referendum on the future of these essential health programs, and in turn on the financial outlook, health, and quality of life of older Americans, people with disabilities, and their families. In a statement I issued this week about the current state of negotiations, I called for a balanced approach that would not result in major cost-shifting to Medicare beneficiaries who are not able to bear the burden of extra costs. 

Read Joe Baker’s statement.

We can all play a part in preventing deep cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. Take action, and encourage family and friends to do the same, by contacting your elected officials to let them know that these programs are essential. Share with your senators and representatives your stories about how you and your family have come to rely on these programs, and let them know that proposed changes to these programs will impact all Americans. Send the message that any final resolution to deficit-reduction conversations must take a balanced approach that includes increased revenue. Make it clear that proposals that cut federal government spending on Medicaid and Medicare by shifting cost responsibility to states and Medicare beneficiaries will result in Medicaid benefit reductions, decreased access to health care, and increased out-of-pocket costs for older Americans and people with disabilities.

To contact your elected official, call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your senators’ or representative’s office.