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Social Security:

Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano understands that our nation’s senior citizens are depending on Social Security to fulfill its promise, and that our nation’s workers are depending on Social Security to be strong and stable when they retire. There has been a good deal of talk among President Bush and congressional Republicans about privatizing Social Security — putting taxpayer money in risky investments and hoping for the best. Napolitano believes it is unconscionable to play Russian roulette with taxpayer money and retirees economic security.

Social Security is not perfect, but it is also not in the grave danger that some politicians want the public to believe. Social Security is projected to have enough assets to pay 100% of benefits until 2042. Even then, incoming revenues will be enough to pay more than 70% of benefits for decades to come. Congresswoman Napolitano knows that this is not enough. We need to strengthen the system so that it remains strong for our children and grandchildren. 

Medicare and Prescription Drugs:

Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano is committed to providing seniors with an affordable, comprehensive prescription drug benefit through Medicare. She opposed the House Republican plan to force seniors into private insurance plans and HMOs in order to receive prescription drug coverage. Seniors depend upon Medicare, and the Congresswoman believes we need to make sure that Medicare meets their needs instead of ripping it out from under our seniors and leaving them in the hands of insurance companies that are free to raise costs at any time.

Unfortunately, the House leadership continues to refuse to allow Democrats a chance to debate and vote on their Medicare prescription drug proposal. Under the Democratic proposal, which Napolitano has always supported, seniors could voluntarily participate in a low-cost plan that would not limit their choices or access to doctors, pharmacies or medications. Further, unlike the Republican plan, the Democratic proposal has no gaps in coverage. It also provides additional assistance for low income seniors.

Congresswoman Napolitano will continue to fight for a meaningful Medicare prescription drug benefit that will help alleviate seniors high drug costs without restricting their access to healthcare.

Related News:

February 02, 2005 – Congresswoman responds to State of the Union

August 15, 2003 – Napolitano Discusses Concerns with Local Seniors