Issue Position: Saving Medicare

Issue Position

As a physician for nearly three decades, Dr. Benishek understands that many of Northern Michigan's seniors depend on Medicare for their health care needs. Since being elected to Congress, Dr. Benishek has supported plans that will strengthen Medicare for current and future generations.

There is no doubt that the future of this important program is in trouble. Evidence suggests that Medicare may become insolvent as early as 2016. President Obama's former Chief of Staff Bill Daley stated last year, "Medicare will run out of money in five years if we don't do something." That is the very reason Dr. Benishek supports efforts to ensure this program remains available for Northern Michigan seniors for years to come.

Unlike the Obama Administration's health care law that stole over $500 billion from Medicare, I am committed to saving this program for the long term. -- Dr. Benishek

Dr. Benishek has supported a plan to make Medicare permanently solvent, which was developed with bipartisan support. This plan will make no changes for existing retirees or those nearing retirement--anyone age 55 or older. For those currently under the age of 55, Medicare will offer a list of comprehensive, government approved and regulated, personalized plans.

Additionally, this plan eliminates waste, fraud, abuse and unnecessary overpayments so that Medicare dollars are used to provide seniors the care they need. The facts are clear: this plan makes Medicare permanently solvent in the future.

In addition to making Medicare permanently solvent, Dr. Benishek supports the elimination of the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Unless repealed, this board will give the power of denying health care for seniors to an unelected board of Washington bureaucrats. Established as part of President Obama's health care law, Dr. Benishek is committed to repealing IPAB and preventing the federal government from making health care decisions that should be left to doctors and patients.

Dr. Benishek has spoken with seniors throughout Northern Michigan and has heard their thoughts and concerns about the Medicare program. Like Northern Michigan's seniors, Dr. Benishek believes strengthening Medicare for future generations should be a top priority of Congress. For 28 years, Dr. Benishek has treated Medicare patients and he will continue to fight for this program's livelihood.

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