President Bush's Budget Includes Dramatic Cuts for
Medicare
WASHINGTON - Today,
Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) announced his opposition to President
Bush's proposed budget which would dramatically decrease the amount of funding
that Medicare would receive. As a result
of these cuts, Medicare providers and beneficiaries would receive nearly $183 billion
less over the next five years.
"I absolutely oppose the President's proposed $183 billion in cuts
to Medicare because they would be devastating to Medicare providers in Northeastern Pennsylvania, which would result in a
reduction in services for our senior citizens," stated Congressman
Kanjorski. "We should avoid cutting
payments for Medicare just at a time when I fought to extend the Medicare
reimbursements to area hospitals. These
hospitals in my district now will receive $36 million more this year in
Medicare reimbursements because of my efforts in conjunction with our
Congressional delegation. If the
President's budget were enacted this increase would be lost for all time in the
future."
Congressman Kanjorski concluded, "While President Bush provides tax
cuts for the wealthiest Americans and spends approximately $8-9 billion a month
on the war in Iraq,
our seniors are having their Medicare benefits slashed from a President who
does not look after aging Americans who are in need of consistent access to affordable
healthcare. I will work with Congress to
substantially change this budget so that it actually improves the lives of
Americans."
To generate
this inexcusable cut in Medicare funding, the President would freeze Medicare
payments to hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care hospitals,
inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient services, and home health.
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