WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume yesterday joined a broad coalition of progressive and centrist Democrats, including Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Jared Golden, Joe Neguse and Conor Lamb, in calling for an overhaul of the Medicare system to expand eligibility to more Americans and to increase coverage among current beneficiaries. Congressman Mfume and more than 150 lawmakers urged the Biden-Harris administration to prioritize this issue and improve Medicare with expanded eligibility.
"Americans across the country want expanded Medicare eligibility and expanded Medicare benefits," said Mfume. "Under the current system, too many older adults have too many dental, hearing and vision needs that often go unaddressed. Meeting these vital healthcare needs and reigning in the spiraling costs of prescription medicines by allowing Medicare to negotiate pharmaceutical pricing is just commonsense."
The lawmakers wrote a letter dated May 27, 2021 to President Biden and Vice President Harris asking that these reforms to Medicare be included as part of the American Families Plan. The letter pointed to the strong bi-partisan support for the proposal as well as different data points in favor of their requests, including 65 percent of Americans favor lowering the eligibility age for Medicare. It also highlighted the challenges confronting older Americans. At least 75 percent of Medicare beneficiaries who need a hearing aid do not have one, 70 percent of beneficiaries did not go to the dentist in the past year, and nearly half did not have an eye exam in the past year. The lawmakers' proposal called for finally providing coverage in these areas, while establishing an out-of-pocket spending cap.
In the letter, the lawmakers also pointed to long-term benefits for the country if this were to become legislation signed by the White House. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that Medicare could save over $450 billion and increase revenue by $45 billion over the next decade by requiring Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies. The savings could be used to further expand Medicare by making new investments in coverage and affordability. Providing dental, hearing and vision coverage could mitigate the prevalence of health care challenges like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, depression, and dementia. Perhaps most significantly, older Americans often delay addressing vital health care needs until they are covered under Medicare. This allows potential problems to worsen, and become more expensive, as demonstrated by the sudden increase in cancer diagnoses after individuals reach the age of 65. Opening Medicare enrollment at an earlier point would help to counteract that dynamic.
The lawmakers' letter made clear that their goal was multi-faceted, seeking to greatly enhance the current package of benefits enjoyed by seniors, while also preparing for the future needs of the program.
"We are asking for you to prioritize the expansion and improvement of Medicare in the American Families Plan," wrote the 156 lawmakers. "Lowering the Medicare eligibility age and improving its benefits would provide immediate and substantial relief for millions of individuals throughout the United States, as well as much-needed long-term security."
Full text of the letter can be found here.
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