Issue Position: Seniors

Issue Position

The generation of Americans now in their senior years have defended our nation abroad, discovered cures and treatments for disease, driven our nation's economic engine and served as exceptional role models for their children and grandchildren.

Congresswoman Capito believes we must protect the security of retired West Virginians and ensure that they have access to the health care they need.

Responding to the turmoil in America's financial markets, Congresswoman Capito supported legislation to give seniors more flexibility in managing their IRAs and allow them to better plan for the future.

In 2003, she pushed for the land-mark Medicare Modernization Act to improve Medicare by adding a long-overdue prescription drug benefit, now known as Medicare Part D. As a result of this important program, an overwhelming majority of West Virginia seniors now have access to prescription coverage.

Another important addition of the Medicare Modernization Act is the initial free screening for Medicare beneficiaries. With access to this screening, medical providers can identify chronic diseases that can be treated more effectively and efficiently with prescription medications. This will allow seniors to be better informed of their health care needs and more effectively manage their health.

In addition to the Medicare program, seniors also benefit from the Social Security program for retirement income. Much debate has occurred in the last few years about the future of the Social Security program, but Congresswoman Capito has opposed privatization of social security and is committed to keeping the promise to West Virginia seniors.

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