Proposals from Sen. Paul (R-KY) and House Energy and Commerce Committee promise bi-partisan help for long-term health of vital seniors program.

(Alexandria, Virginia) — Several proposals have emerged on Capitol Hill this week addressing the looming budgetary shortfalls of Medicare, an important and promising development in the often rancorous halls of Congress.

On Wednesday the House Energy and Commerce Committee chaired by Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) passed by unanimous vote (51-0) a bill that changes Medicare reimbursement formulas by rewarding high-quality care over quantity of care, a change considered a watershed by members from both sides of the aisle.

Medicare reform also arose from the Senate, with Sen. Rand Paul’s proposal to revamp Medicare with more choice for seniors, including the ability to get the same quality of care as members of Congress.  Dubbed the Congressional Health Care for Seniors Act (CHCSA), Sen. Paul’s proposal provides seniors better care through more choice, including the same healthcare options enjoyed by members of Congress and federal employees.  The CHCSA also saves $1 trillion from Medicare’s bottom line over the next 10 years.

These two proposals brought praise from 60 Plus Association Chairman Jim Martin, leader of the nation’s largest conservative seniors organization with over 7.2 million senior supporters, and the acknowledged alternative to the liberal AARP.

Said Martin, “With Medicare on unsustainable financial footing, it is extremely encouraging to see Congress working in a bi-partisan manner to help strengthen the program for today’s seniors, and preserve quality healthcare options for tomorrow’s retirees.  This is a giant step forward in making lasting changes to Medicare that will provide seniors more options, better benefits and preserve the long-term solvency of this critical program.

“Praise is due to Sen. Paul, Rep. Upton, and members from both parties who put rancorous politics aside to make a difference for America’s future.  Seniors are counting on Washington to finish the job and make these reforms a reality.”

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