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(Washington D.C.)- Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander M. Levin (D-MI) and Health Subcommittee Chairman Pete Stark (D-CA) released the following statements today upon release of a report by the Chief Actuary of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):
Chairman Levin:
“This report illustrates the value of the investment we are making with health reform. Any increase provided in spending pays tremendous dividends, expanding coverage to an additional ten percent of Americans – millions who currently are without basic insurance -- with less than a one percent increase in national health expenditures. This report does not look at all aspects of reform. The comprehensive analyses from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) show that health insurance reform will reduce the Federal deficit and help put our nation back on track toward fiscal responsibility.
“According to the CMS Actuary, 93 percent (95 by CBO’s estimate) of Americans would be covered under health care reform. This is an historic step forward for our nation. Absent the critical reforms signed into law more than 30 million people – hardworking families and businesses -- would continue to fall victim to skyrocketing health care costs, and be unable to gain the coverage they need and deserve. Contrary to Republican talking points, this is not a ‘government takeover’ of health care, in fact, this reform empowers Americans to take control of their health care and offers them more, affordable choices to meet their needs.”
Health Subcommittee Chairman Stark:
"The Chief Actuary confirms what we've been saying – those on Medicare benefit from health reform. Annual premiums will be reduced by nearly $200, and cost sharing for the average beneficiary will be more than $200 lower. The legislation also eliminates the ‘donut’ hole and ensures that many preventive services are free under Medicare. Health reform strengthens Medicare by extending the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by 12 years to 2029.
"Republicans point to the Actuary's cost analysis, but they're forgetting their own history. In 2003, when we were debating a Republican Medicare proposal, they first tried to deep six the CMS Actuary’s analysis when they didn’t like what it said, and then dismissed it when it eventually was released because it was much higher than the CBO analysis. In the end, it turns out that the OACT estimate overstated the bill's cost by 37 percent."
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