Murphy Continues to Stand Up for Seniors, Protect Medicare

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) made the following statement on a press call discussing the announcement made yesterday by the Obama Administration, reversing course on proposed cuts to the Medicare Advantage program. This reversal came after Murphy led bipartisan efforts calling on the Administration to protect seniors from further cuts to this program. In March, Murphy also led efforts opposing proposed changes to Medicare Part D that would have negatively impacted the choice and affordability of drug coverage for nearly 13 million beneficiaries. With Florida's 18th Congressional District being home to 160,000 seniors, these changes would have had a major impact on the well-being of residents across the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.

"At this time of major transition in our nation's health care industry, it is critical that seniors enrolled in traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage can keep the coverage on which they depend. On behalf of the tens of thousands of my constituents who rely on Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage, I am thankful that the Administration listened to our very real concerns and has reversed course on proposed changes that would have hurt both of these important programs," said Murphy. "Specifically, cuts to Medicare Advantage would not only have risked health care efficiencies and innovation but the health and well-being of seniors who depend on these plans. They deserve better after a lifetime of hard work than having to worry about losing their doctor or the affordable health care coverage that works for them.

"That is why even during a time of great partisanship and gridlock in Congress you saw a bipartisan coalition calling on the Administration to keep the rates flat for this year, putting the well-being of our nation's seniors before party lines. The decision announced by the Administration yesterday, although far from perfect, is a significant improvement and will provide more stability and certainty for our seniors."

Source