Help Keep Medicare Fair–Act Now

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Medicare premiums have doubled since 2000–in large part because Congress has failed to make meaningful changes to the way Medicare pays physicians. Last year Congress missed another opportunity to fix a flawed system, instead opting for a six-month band-aid which will potentially raise Medicare premiums even further.

Older Americans value their Medicare coverage and because of that, they have always been willing to pay their yearly increase. But forcing people on Medicare to pay excessive premiums because Congress has failed to fix a flawed physician payment system is just not fair.

Even a small increase in Medicare premiums is just one part of a much larger health care bill for people in Medicare. In fact, Medicare only covers about half of a beneficiary’s health care bills. Beneficiaries themselves pay for about a quarter of the costs out of their own pockets.

People in Medicare pay their Part B premiums, out-of-pocket costs at the hospital and doctor’s office, and, for many, supplemental and prescription drug insurance premiums.  And all that does nothing for long-term care costs, whether at home or in a nursing home. The annual average cost of a nursing home is now $75,000, yet the average income for those over 65 is $25,000.

Large premium increases could discourage people from getting the preventive care and prescription drugs they need, putting further strain on a struggling system when they need more extensive treatment.

Four million Americans rely on Medicare every day. That’s why Congress needs to keep premiums fair—so we don’t price millions of older Americans out of health care coverage.

Get Involved
Congress will have to make decisions about physician payments and premium increases this year.

That’s why we need your help. AARP’s national initiative to keep Medicare fair has a website, where you can sign a petition, get more information and volunteer.

Calls to Senators Hatch and Bennett would be another way to get involved. Let them know that raising Medicare premiums is not fair and Congress must find other means to deal with the skyrocketing health care costs that will affect older Americans and their families. AARP has set up a toll-free line (1-800-869-3150) that will connect you right to their offices.

Help to keep Medicare strong and viable to provide needed care for older Americans.