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Medicare proposal worrisome
As Medicare celebrates its 50th birthday, there is a continuing push by politicians like House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Paul Ryan to dismantle the program. In Ryan’s latest proposal, he claims seniors will have a choice between private insurance and traditional Medicare. Ryan leaves out a couple of important details.
Vouchers won’t cover the cost of private insurance. This means more of retirement income going to health costs. Insurance companies will cherry-pick the healthiest seniors for their own plans, Medicare rolls will be filled with those with the highest health costs, and the cost of any Medicare option will skyrocket.
Sadly, Ryan’s plan is not just an idea. In April, the House of Representatives passed the proposal without a single Democratic vote. Voters should not be deceived. Our nation simply cannot afford Ryan’s plan for Medicare.
Zona Gail Spaeth
Washington State Alliance for Retired Americans
Spokane