THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE
~ Trusted ~ Independent ~ Effective ~

October 18, 2011

NEWS RELEASE

Leading Seniors Group Warns Hospital Association Passing Costs to Seniors to Avoid Provider Cuts Isn't the Answer

The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, on behalf of its 3 million members and supporters nationwide, has urged the American Hospital Association to reconsider its support of raising Medicare’s eligibility age.

In a letter to the American Hospital Association, NCPSSM President/CEO Max Richtman wrote:

"While we share your concern about further provider cuts, which we acknowledge could have a negative impact on Medicare beneficiaries, we oppose increasing the eligibility age as well as proposals to increase out-of-pocket costs. Raising the Medicare eligibility age would save money for the federal government, but it would increase out-of-pocket costs for 65 and 66 year-olds, and for employers providing retiree health benefits. In addition, it would increase costs for younger people buying private insurance and for seniors covered by Medicare since the risk pools would include older beneficiaries. It would do nothing to address our nation's health care cost growth crisis. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that 3.3 million 65 and 66 year-olds would face an average of $2,200 more in additional costs each year and that increased state and private-sector costs would be twice as large as the net federal savings."

This letter follows efforts by grassroots activists in Massachusetts to convince the Massachusetts Hospital Association to reverse its position on raising Medicare's eligibility age. A protest rally scheduled last week was postponed while those discussions continued. However, MHA has not changed its position and the National Committee's "Hands Off-No Cuts" campaign activists will join a coalition of senior advocates at a 1:00pm demonstration at the Massachusetts Hospital Association in Boston today.

A copy of the entire letter is posted on our website.

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The National Committee, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization 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.

Media Inquiries to:
Pamela Causey 202-216-8378/202-236-2123
Kim Wright 202-216-8414
www.ncpssm.org