I'm Committed to Protecting Seniors

Statement

Dear Friend-

I wanted to keep you updated on work I have been doing this month to hear from the First District's seniors and retirees.

Last week I visited the residents of Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury in Irvington. I had the opportunity to take their questions and listen to their concerns. I specifically updated them on work we are doing here in Washington to protect their access to both Social Security and Medicare.

Medicare and Social Security have served our nation well, providing medical benefits and retirement security for millions of Americans. I agree that these programs must be saved in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of Medicare and Social Security. I believe we must honor the commitment to current beneficiaries and those who are nearing enrollment. Congress should not change the Medicare or Social Security eligibility rules or benefits for anyone currently enrolled in these programs or for those who are age 55 and older.

Therefore, I want to inform you that I am a cosponsor of H.R. 849, the Protecting Seniors' Access to Medicare Act of 2017. This legislation would repeal the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that established the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). IPAB is an unelected, unaccountable board that has widespread control over Medicare spending, potentially affecting seniors' access to care without any accountability to Congress or the administration. Meaning, it could drastically cut Medicare benefits with little to no Congressional oversight.

We need to preserve these critical programs so that they are available for future generations, and I am committed to protecting them.

Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime an issue that concerns you comes before the House, especially if it concerns our seniors and retirees.

It's an honor to serve you and Virginia's First District in the People's House.

Sincerely,
Rob

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