February 2, 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative:
On behalf of the millions of members and supporters of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, I urge you to oppose H.R. 596, a bill to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would be detrimental to Americans of all ages. It would undercut the ability of marketplace insurance plans to offer affordable health coverage to individuals, including those with pre-existing conditions. Repeal would mean that young adults could no longer count on remaining on their parents’ insurance plans until age 26. In addition, the number of uninsured “young seniors,” aged 50-64, would increase, leaving them in poorer health by the time they are eligible for Medicare – thereby increasing Medicare’s costs.
Repealing the ACA would also eliminate many of that law’s provisions that benefit Medicare beneficiaries today, including help with prescription drug costs and preventive screenings and wellness visits with no out-of pocket costs. In addition, the payment and delivery system reforms that are being implemented due to the ACA are slowing the rate of increase in health spending while improving the care that is being provided, especially care to people with multiple chronic conditions. Slowing the rate of increase in health spending has also lowered costs for beneficiaries – the Part B premium has stayed level for three years in a row – and is extending the solvency of the Part A trust fund.
We oppose H. R. 596 because it interferes with the ability of marketplace insurance plans to offer affordable health coverage, and hurts millions of seniors who benefit from the Medicare improvements contained in the ACA. The National Committee strongly urges you to vote against this anti-senior legislation.
Sincerely,
Max Richtman
President and CEO