Rep. Levin Introduces Legislation to Improve Medicare Benefits and Update Enrollment Process

Last Wednesday, Rep. Levin, the Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Committee, joined with Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr., Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Jim McDermott, and Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Gene Green to introduce the Medicare Affordability and Enrollment Act. The legislation makes several improvements to Medicare by establishing a maximum out-of-pocket spending cap for traditional Medicare, expanding access to premium and out-of-pocket payment assistance for low-income beneficiaries, and updating and improving the current Medicare enrollment process.  Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

The legislation has been endorsed by many organizations focused on health care access for seniors and those with disabilities: National Coalition on Aging, Medicare Rights Center, The Arc, AFSCME, Justice in Aging, Dialysis Patient Citizens, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Center for Medicare Advocacy, Families USA, and the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care.

Rep. Levin Meets Ukraine Member of Parliament and Fighter Pilot Nadiya Savchenko
On September 22, Rep. Levin met Nadiya Savchenko,and enjoyed the opportunity to introduce her to other Members of Congress near the House Floor.  Ms. Savchenko was captured by Russian forces in Eastern Ukraine in 2014 and illegally transported to Russia where she was tried on trumped-up charges and sentenced to 22 years in prison.  She endured interrogations, solitary confinement, and forced psychiatric evaluations during her almost two-year long detention.  Throughout her imprisonment by Russian authorities, Rep. Levin was a consistent voice on Savchenko’s behalf, including passing House Resolution 50, which condemned her capture and called for her release.  Savchenko’s courage and resilience continue to touch and inspire people around the world.

National Parks Action Fund’s 2016 Scorecard
Rep. Levin received a perfect score of 100% on the National Parks Action Fund 2016 Scorecard. This scorecard is released annually and this year, National Park Action Fund has scored Members of Congress on key votes concerning national park funding, important preservation tools which include the Antiquities Act, and protections for water and wildlife. To review Rep. Levin’s results and see what votes were taken into consideration click here.

Visit Your Local Fire Department During Fire Prevention Week
In observation of Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15th, local fire departments in the 9th District are hosting informational open houses. Fire Prevention Week is hosted by the National Fire Protection Association. The goal of the weeklong observance is to raise awareness of fire safety and educate families on reducing the risk of fire in their home. This year, Fire Prevention Week will focus on smoke alarm safety. These departments are hosting an open house event.

This Week on the House Floor:
The House awaits action on short-term to fund government operations through December 9th.  In the meantime, the House will consider legislation to authorize water infrastructure projects known as the Water Resources Development Act (H.R. 5303).  We will also take a bill to delay by six months the Obama Administration’s rule on overtime compensation for workers (H.R. 6094) and will likely take a vote on overriding President Obama’s veto on the Justice Against Terrorism Act (S. 2040).