Issue Position: Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security

Issue Position

Mandatory spending programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security are vital programs to protect the elderly, the sick and the poor. Unfortunately, they are heading for bankruptcy.

If we don't act soon, those of us who rely on them most could very well be left without the assistance we've paid into and need. There will be nothing left for future generations.

These programs are so big -- they comprise nearly 2/3 of federal spending each year -- that we cannot solve our current debt crisis without reforming these programs, too.

In order to preserve and protect these programs, Todd supported legislation that would responsibly and slowly reform them. If we act now, we can afford to include exemptions that won't disrupt anyone's retirement. The longer we wait, however, the fewer people we can exempt.

Here are more specific details on the legislation Todd has supported in regards to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security:

-As a member of the Budget Committee, Todd helped develop a plan for Medicare that would leave current benefits in place for at or near retirement age. For those who still have time to plan their retirement years, however, the program would allow more flexibility in choosing a health insurance plan. Instead of making payments to medical providers, Medicare dollars would be used to pay your insurance premiums. This is exactly like the health care provided to federal employees and members of Congress. Also, by limiting the benefits available to upper income seniors, we can provide even more generous coverage to lower income and chronically ill seniors who most rely on the program.

-In 2011, Chairman Paul Ryan asked Todd to unveil the Budget Committee's plan for Medicaid at a nationally televised press conference. The plan would convert Medicaid into a block grant system to states. Instead of dictating how they spend their Medicaid dollars, it would give them the flexibility to create a plan that worked for their residents, such as the Healthy Indiana Plan right here at home. Not only would such freedom help states and the federal government save money, it would also increase assistance available to lower income Americans.

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