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Several of us from PDA VA have vetted the idea of pushing a Medicare buy-in with several staffers and members of Congress on the Hill and we got a very positive reaction. This idea actually has a shot of getting enacted since it came close to gettting 60 votes in the Senate and only 50 votes are required in the Senate until budget reconciliation. We feel strongly that is important at this stage of the debate that we advocate something that has a chance of passing Congress that will advance Medicare for All. Members of Congress are now saying that they need to move on to jobs and the economy.
There is a problem passing healthcare reform now in both the House and the Senate. The Senate originally proposed the Medicare expansion and had 59 supporting votes. An expansion of Medicare is a budget issue and only requires a simple Senate majority 51 not 60 votes to pass.
A Medicare buy-in accomplishes two things: (1) it keeps the money out of the hands of the for-profit insurance companies and (2) since Medicare already exists and has been the most successful government program, we can start it right away and don’t have to wait years until a brand, new infrastructure is created. Also with younger people buying into Medicare and not using as many medical services as older Americans, Medicare gets an infusion of cash.
82% of voters in Massachusetts said they supported an expansion of Medicare or a government run program like Medicare. Why invent something new when Medicare works?
Call your Senators and House Members and tell them you support a Medicare buy-in for people 55 and older.
Senator Mark Warner Phone: 202-224-2023
Senator Jim Webb Phone: 202-224-4024
Join us on Capital Hill for a Lobby Day on Thursday, February 4, 2010. This could be a win for everyone. It's a first step but one we can build on through budget reconciliation.
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