Questions over how to control federal healthcare costs took a back seat to this summer’s deficit debate, but Tennessee Congressman Diane Black hasn’t dropped the issue. In a teleconference with constituents last night, Black renewed her support for the so-called Ryan plan to change Medicare.
Asked for her stance on cutting Medicare, Black began by saying for people 55 and over, nothing would change for Medicare recipients under Representative Paul Ryan’s proposal. Black says seniors are depending on a promise the government made and should keep.
As to those 54 and younger, Black says something must change to keep Medicare sustainable.
“Going forward, there would be a different plan called a ‘premium support.’ It would be much like you do with your employer, where your employer pays part of your premium. You would pay part of your premium. For those at the lower income, the government would pay more of your premium.”
Critics have argued those government payments wouldn’t keep up with growing healthcare expenses, effectively undermining Medicare as it’s currently known.
WEB EXTRA:
Raw audio of a caller raising concerns over the new “super committee” of lawmakers tasked with identifying future cuts – potentially to entitlements like Medicare – and Black’s response.
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