Stark defends Medicare for poor

From the Globe Health Desk

The federal government must protect financial assistance programs for low-income Medicare beneficiaries, according to Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA), chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee
   “Medicare is and should always remain an entitlement for seniors and people with disabilities. We have a duty to ensure that the most vulnerable low-income Medicare beneficiaries are assured access to this entitlement,” said Stark in public comments last week.
    Stark, who introduced the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act 20 years ago, said 50 percent of persons over age 65 have incomes below $20,000 a year. “By the time you add up $1,100 in Part B premiums, a $131 Part B deductible that is rising more than inflation each year, more than $300 in Part D premiums, a Part D deductible of up to $265, and a couple hundred dollars or more in out-ofpocket costs, many beneficiaries are spending well over 10 percent of their already limited incomes on medical care,” he said.
    There are two major programs that target financial relief for low-income beneficiaries. The Medicare Savings Programs and the Low Income Subsidy program to help beneficiaries pay for prescription drug costs under Part D.
   “These programs offer vital financial safety nets for millions of Medicare beneficiaries. However, the programs are unnecessarily complex, and participation rates are unacceptably low,” Stark said.
    Estimates suggest that between 3 and 4 million people are eligible but are not enrolled.
   “Improving the Low-Income Subsidy and Medicare Savings Plans is the most efficient and effective way to help the beneficiaries who need it most,” said Stark. “Medicare Advantage plans would have us believe that they are the ones offering the most help to the most vulnerable. That’s simply not true.
   “Today we will here about the current state of these programs, and options for improving them. Simple changes to eligibility and enrollment rules coupled with strong outreach programs could help millions more beneficiaries get the financial support and medical care they need and deserve.”