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THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE
~ Celebrating 25 Years of Advocacy for Older Americans ~
December 18, 2008
NEWS RELEASE
Medicare Reform = Health Care Reform
New National Committee Viewpoints Detail Why Seniors Have a Huge Stake in Health Care Reform Debate
"I'm counting the days until I qualify for Medicare." It's a common refrain from millions of older, uninsured adults anxious to reach eligibility for government sponsored healthcare coverage . Yet, the financial burden of unchecked health care costs system-wide has strained the successful program, leading to growing out-of-pocket fees, cost shifting to seniors and a financial drain on an already challenged economy. Health care reform will be one of the early challenges facing the Obama administration. How will this debate impact seniors in Medicare?
The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare has released six policy papers analyzing the health care debate and its importance to Medicare beneficiaries:
By 2025, over one-half of the average senior's Social Security benefit check will be consumed by Medicare out-of-pocket costs.
Health care coverage for the average family increased 30% between 2001and 2005 yet income increased just 3% over the same period.
All Americans, not just seniors, the disabled and low-income, should have the option of buying a government run health insurance plan.
Computers can improve health care services yet only 17% of doctors use electronic health records and only 4% use electronic prescribing.
The current physician payment system should be replaced to reward doctors for high quality,cost efficient care while providing seniors access to a full range of medical services.
Better information about treatment options, coupled with incentives for doctors to use that information, could reduce health care spending while improving health outcomes.
Media Inquiries to:
Pamela Causey 202-216-8378/202-236-2123
Kim Wright 202-216-8414
www.ncpssm.org
The National Committee is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the board of directors and professional staff. The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing better-informed citizens and voters.