Archived Messages From the President
May 01, 2014
As you know, I have been quite vocal and active as I battle to preserve your benefits. Often I find myself acting like the vaudeville plate spinner, running from one wobbly issue to another, trying to get there before the issue/regulation/legislation either is instituted or is defeated, depending on our stance. It’s good when we win, and it’s even better when we get to enjoy TWO victories in our ongoing fight for older Americans.
Earlier this year the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed changes to Medicare’s prescription drug program (Part D) that would cut patient access and raise prices on some key drugs while also limiting the choice of plans. It was an ill-advised attempt to change Part D for the worse, RetireSafe attended hearings, wrote letters, lobbied Congress and did everything we could to stop this harmful attack on Part D benefits. All of our efforts paid off, as the egregious proposed changes were withdrawn by CMS.
On another front, after much pressure from RetireSafe and other concerned organizations, the administration has withdrawn the scheduled provider payment cuts to Medicare Advantage originally scheduled for next year. Had those cuts gone forward, the cost to seniors for Medicare Advantage would have gone up — and their access to doctors and services would have gone down.
CMS used the words “delayed” and “re-evaluate” when they withdrew the proposed cuts to Part D; and the pundits expect the Obama Administration to once again propose cuts to Medicare Advantage after the midterm elections in November. While we know that the war is certainly not over on these two critical issues, it is nice to recognize that sometimes, thanks to your help and support, we can win some very important battles to protect senior benefits.