Call to Action: Stop Co-Pays and Across-the-Board Cuts

An offer put forth by a majority of the Democrats on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (the “supercommittee”) has caused a firestorm of criticism from many Democrats on the Hill, along with senior and disability advocates. Their $3 trillion deficit reduction blueprint includes $400 billion in Medicare savings, equally divided between provider and beneficiary cuts, and $100 billion in Medicaid savings over 10 years. This offer is a “grand bargain” with Republicans who would have to agree to match spending cuts with new tax revenues. Republicans have countered with a $2.2 trillion proposal, which reportedly would include substantial Medicare and Medicaid cuts. Republicans have not yet agreed to increase taxes, so members of the supercommittee appear to be at a stalemate. However, they may strike a deficit reduction deal by their November 23 deadline.

The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO), a national coalition of more than 60 senior groups including NAHC that opposes increased Medicare cost shifting to seniors, is planning to conduct a briefing for Hill staff this Friday at November 4, at 11:00 AM, on the theme of Medicare and  “Skin in the Game.” This refers to the often-heard comment by some on the Hill that seniors need to pay more for Medicare services so they will have more “skin in the game.”  As we all know, seniors already have a lot of skin in the game, including the fact that their families and friends are already providing an estimated $450 billion in unpaid services a year to enable them to remain in their homes—costs that Medicare would have to pick up if they were in nursing homes or hospitals. 

In order to stop copays and across-the-board cuts, you can help blanket the Hill with our message. To send a message, go here. There you will find numerous studies, talking points, and a sample message that you can edit to include your experience and the negative impact home health and hospice cuts and copays would have on your patients. You can also call your elected officials. Find the phone numbers for elected officials in your state here. When calling, ask the receptionist to connect you with the person who handles Medicare issues.

Thanks for helping to making a difference!