Senator Stabenow re : Medicare & Medicaid ...

November 27, 2012 Gary D. Horn PO Box 328 Lincoln, MI 48742 Dear Gary, Thank you for contacting me about making changes to Medicare and Medicaid. I understand your views. Since the enactment of Medicare in 1965, America's seniors have been guaranteed affordable, comprehensive health insurance when they retire. The budget passed by the House of Representatives would end Medicare as we know it and throw seniors into the private market, putting insurance company bureaucrats between seniors and their doctors. Benefits would be cut and seniors' out-of-pocket costs would double. When this proposal came before the Senate it was defeated by a vote of 40-57. Instead of ending Medicare, we should look at common-sense ways to save taxpayers and seniors money. It is actually illegal for Medicare to use its buying power to get the best prices on prescription drugs, which results in taxpayers spending billions of dollars more than they should on medicines. I support legislation to allow Medicare to negotiate with drug companies to get lower prices for seniors, strengthening Medicare for years to come. The House of Representatives budget would also cut Medicaid. I am committed to protecting and strengthening Medicaid by cutting waste, fraud and abuse-not by cutting health benefits for seniors and kids. As Congress continues to work on the federal budget, I will keep your views in mind. Thank you again for contacting me. Please continue to keep me informed about issues of concern to you and your family. Sincerely, Debbie Stabenow United States Senator

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow The United States Senate• Washington, DC 20510 stabenow.senate.gov