Bad Deal for Seniors…Bad Deal for Medicare

By Senator Debbie Stabenow

According to Greek mythology, the Greeks waged a fruitless war against the City of Troy. Unable to penetrate the fortified walls of the city, they hatched a new strategy. Within a large hollow wooden horse, presented as a gift, the Greeks hid the seeds that would sow the destruction of Troy.

Today, opponents of the Medicare system have built their own Trojan horse. After attempting for thirty-eight unsuccessful years to break down the mighty walls of Medicare, they finally have begun the process. While framed as a gift to senior citizens, this bill will actually begin the end of Medicare as we know it.

Providing a real comprehensive prescription drug benefit and lowering prescription drug prices have been my top priorities since joining Congress. I entered into this debate leading the fight to do just that, and nothing would have pleased me more! But in the end, I was forced to lead the fight to protect Medicare itself.

Medicare has been a great American success story because it has brought dependable, affordable health care to millions of seniors and the disabled. Beneficiaries can choose their own doctors and they know that regardless of where they live, they will pay the same premiums and co-payments for care. Under this bill, all of that will change. Starting in 2010, it forces seniors and the disabled in demonstration areas to choose between HMOs, private insurance, and their traditional Medicare plan. Because of the way it is designed, Medicare costs will actually go up and the program will begin to be dismantled.

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