Shea-Porter Votes To Protect Medicare Beneficiaries From Higher Premiums

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter voted in favor of legislation that will help protect seniors by preventing increases in their 2010 Medicare Part B premiums. The Medicare Premium Fairness Act, which passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 406 to 18, will keep Part B premiums at the current rate of $96.40 per month. Without this legislation, more than a quarter of the 42 million seniors and disabled people who are enrolled in Medicare Part B will see their premiums rise by up to 20 percent, increasing their payments to $110 to $120 a month.

"This year, New Hampshire seniors were facing an increase in Medicare premiums without an increase in their Social Security," said Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. "I voted to stop the increase because it would be a financial burden on our seniors."

More than 42 million Americans are currently enrolled in Medicare Part B, and roughly 11 million people will be subjected to premium increases unless this legislation is signed into law. In addition to affecting millions of Medicare Part B enrollees, an increase in premiums would have an adverse effect on state budgets.

The bill, which is fully paid for and meets PAY-GO requirements, would not add to the deficit.

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