Ryan plan merely shifts costs

In response to the Aug. 2 letter (“She’s saving Medicare”), the author states that the Ryan plan’s proposal “saves” Medicare by making structural reforms – and she specifically thanks Rep. McMorris Rodgers for her support of this plan.

The current Medicare program guarantees health coverage and controls its costs for seniors. The Ryan plan eliminates that guarantee by providing a set amount of money (a voucher) toward purchase of health care, leaving the senior to find health care from a private carrier.

So what is so bad about that? The annual voucher amount will increase by the annual inflation rate (e.g., 3 percent) while annual health costs continue to increase by double digits. The senior pays the difference; and good luck finding health care coverage at a reasonable cost (or coverage at all) from a private insurer if you have pre-existing health problems.

The “guarantee” and cost controls in the current Medicare program are critical features for those who can’t count on being rich in their senior years. Google “Paul Ryan Budget.”

Thanks, Rep. McMorris Rodgers.

Bob Pritchard

Spokane