Seniors Issues

The hard work and determination of our seniors helped build this country into the great nation it is today, and we owe this generation of Americans a debt of gratitude.  I am committed to making sure the government keeps its promises to our nation's seniors.

For today’s seniors and future generations, we need a financially responsible and effective Medicare program that will be able to support beneficiaries while providing them with the high quality, affordable care they deserve.  We must also encourage all parties to come to the table and enact common-sense reforms to preserve Social Security and keep it solvent for current beneficiaries as well as strengthen Social Security for future generations of Americans.

Action Items

• I support a proposal to end the raid on the Medicare trust fund contained in the new health care law and to make necessary changes to Medicare for future generations in order to provide a financially responsible and effective program that will be able to support beneficiaries while giving them the quality care they deserve.  Under this proposal, Americans who are 55 or older would see no changes to their Medicare benefits.  Starting with those who reach retirement age in 2023, beneficiaries would receive a Medicare payment and a list of guaranteed coverage options – including a traditional fee-for-service option – from which recipients can choose a plan that best suits their needs. Medicare will provide additional assistance for lower-income beneficiaries and those with greater health needs.

• I cosponsored the Protecting Seniors' Access to Medicare Act (H.R. 351), which repeals the establishment of an Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) under the new health care law.

• To help simplify the tax system for seniors, I cosponsored the Seniors' Tax Simplification Act (H.R. 38), which would make available a new federal income tax Form 1040SR (similar to Form 1040EZ) to individuals who have turned 65.

• I am also a cosponsor of the Ensuring Seniors Access to Local Pharmacies Act (H.R. 4577), which allows Medicare beneficiaries to have access to community pharmacies in underserved, including rural, areas as part of their Medicare Part D network. 

• I am a cosponsor of H.R. 2300, the Empowering Patients First Act, which repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and replaces it with patient-centered, positive solutions which ensure that individuals maintain control of their health care decisions.