DeLauro: Romney-Ryan Budget Makes Wrong Choices

GOP Plan Would Harm Hundreds of Thousands ofConnecticut Seniors

HAMDEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) today joinedwith Judy Stein, Executive Director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy, andWoodbridge resident and Medicare beneficiary Harvey Adelberg to speak outagainst the Republican plan to radically change Medicare and cut health carespending for seniors. Republicans, led by Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan, aretrying to roll back the consumer protections established two years ago underthe health care reform bill known as the Affordable Care Act.

"Two years ago, I was proud to help pass a comprehensivehealth care reform bill that is already working to bring down the high costs ofprescription drugs by closing the doughnut hole and strengthening Medicare," DeLaurosaid. "Because of that bill, seniors have received immediate andcontinuing relief from high prescription drug costs and free preventive andwellness coverage for services like cancer and diabetes screenings. ButHouse Republicans have been trying to roll back these benefits since they tookpower in the House of Representatives. This is the wrong path forward forAmerica. Programs like Medicare have transformed what it means to retirewith dignity in America. Budgets are about choices and Mr. Romney and Mr. Ryanmake the wrong ones.

"I have represented Medicare beneficiaries since 1975," Steinsaid. "For almost 40 years I have seen Medicare provide access to health carefor older and disabled people and peace of mind for their families. Medicarewas enacted because private insurance failed seniors. With Medicare, 98% of allpeople who are 65 or more have health insurance. For decades, private Medicareplans have been tried; they have continued to be more expensive and lessreliable than the traditional program. This is particularly true inConnecticut, where private Medicare plans have swarmed in and out. Yet, theRyan Plan would maximize privatization and give seniors a limited allowance toshop for a policy. The Ryan Plan is not better for people who rely on Medicare,their families, or taxpayers. That's the truth, not a scare tactic."