Issue Position: Medicare and Social Security

Issue Position

"Every American deserves the chance to feel secure in their retirement, and I will fight against those in Washington who want to undermine these crucial programs. The future of retirement in America depends on it. Social Security and Medicare are vital components of our national fabric that provide respect and peace of mind for seniors who have worked hard all their lives." -Chris

The House Republican plan will decimate Medicare and Social Security.

Chris is unequivocally opposed to any reform of Social Security or Medicare that cuts benefits for seniors -- reforms that passed the Republican-dominated House that will increase premiums, restrict access and limit coverage for Connecticut's seniors while giving windfalls to insurance and drug companies. By turning Medicare into a voucher program, the Republican plan would slash the economic security of thousands of seniors, leaving those on fixed incomes to decide whether to get medical care or to put food on the table. The House Republican budget would actually increase the national debt by $8 trillion by 2023.

A commitment to seniors.

As the 5th District's representative in Congress, Chris will not stand idly by in the face of right-wing, corporate-financed attacks on these critical entitlement programs. He will fight to strengthen Medicare and Social Security, to broaden the base of Medicare by opening it up to citizens aged 55 and above, and to stabilize Social Security funding into the future by requiring the wealthy pay their fair share into the system. Decades ago, America made a commitment -- that once our working-age population reached retirement age, we would respect and honor these citizens with the peace of mind and security that Social Security and Medicare provide. Chris will honor this commitment to our seniors. Chris was at the forefront of efforts to create and preserve one of the strongest Medicaid programs in the country here in Connecticut while fighting to hold insurance companies and HMOs accountable for the taxpayer dollars they receive. And just last year, Chris led the charge on efforts to make sure that seniors residing in long-term care facilities are not left to fend for themselves, making it easier for older adults to negotiate the claims process and ensuring that they are not denied benefits that are due.

As our population increases in age, it's a fact of life that more and more people will depend on Medicare and Social Security for basic financial security every year. Chris will strongly support these programs.

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