President Bush's Budget Includes Dramatic Cuts for Medicare

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) announced his opposition to President Bush's proposed budget which would dramatically decrease the amount of funding that Medicare would receive.  As a result of these cuts, Medicare providers and beneficiaries would receive nearly $183 billion less over the next five years.

"I absolutely oppose the President's proposed $183 billion in cuts to Medicare because they would be devastating to Medicare providers in Northeastern Pennsylvania, which would result in a reduction in services for our senior citizens," stated Congressman Kanjorski.  "We should avoid cutting payments for Medicare just at a time when I fought to extend the Medicare reimbursements to area hospitals.  These hospitals in my district now will receive $36 million more this year in Medicare reimbursements because of my efforts in conjunction with our Congressional delegation.  If the President's budget were enacted this increase would be lost for all time in the future."

Congressman Kanjorski concluded, "While President Bush provides tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and spends approximately $8-9 billion a month on the war in Iraq, our seniors are having their Medicare benefits slashed from a President who does not look after aging Americans who are in need of consistent access to affordable healthcare.  I will work with Congress to substantially change this budget so that it actually improves the lives of Americans."

To generate this inexcusable cut in Medicare funding, the President would freeze Medicare payments to hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient services, and home health. 

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