Protecting Medicare

I am a strong supporter of the Social Security and Medicare programs. Together, these programs have assured that America’s retirees live without fear of dire poverty or of being shut out of the health care system when they need it most. These programs have done enormous good for generations, and we must do everything we can to ensure that they remain intact for generations to come.

Due largely to the aging of the American population, and to rampant inefficiency in our health care system, the costs of these programs is growing at an uncontained rate that threatens their long term sustainability. Too often, this point is abused for political purposes. Neither program faces near-term insolvency. Current beneficiaries need not be affected by reform. But reform is important, and the sooner we do it, the easier it will be. Looking ahead, we need to find a solution — similar to the bi-partisan Social Security agreement between Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neil in 1983 — that keeps these programs intact for tomorrow's seniors without saddling our children with debt.

The much discussed Republican proposal for Medicare is not one I can support. By replacing traditional Medicare with vouchers or “premium support” that seniors would use to purchase private insurance, it simply shifts rising health care costs from the government onto the backs of seniors themselves. That is a lazy solution in that it does not deal with the underlying inefficiencies and out-of-control cost growth in the health care system.

I have been urging the House leadership from both parties to act now to address the long-term problems facing Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. This past March, I conducted town hall meetings focused on the entire federal budget. You can watch the presentation I gave in Ridgefield, where I discuss the problems ahead and the values I will use to guide my decisions.

In May, I conducted a series of eight town halls at senior centers throughout the district and held a “telephone town hall.” If you would like to learn about future events like this, be sure to sign up for email notices.

Above all, we need to have an honest, fruitful debate in Congress. That's the only way to solve a difficult problem like this. Each of us, regardless of party or ideology, must recognize that the outcome of a meaningful debate will not be a full "victory" for one side or the other. No one will be completely happy with every element of comprehensive reform. In that debate, I will support and argue in favor of plans that protect Medicare and Social Security while addressing the long-term budget shortfalls that are looming ahead if we do nothing.