WASHINGTON, DC - House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) today responded to the Obama administration’s decision to roll back parts of its “Proposed Rule for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Benefit Programs." The committee has been actively working to preserve the popular program that millions of American seniors rely upon.
“The Obama administration’s backpedaling off its effort to upend the popular and successful prescription drug program is welcome news," said Upton. “Countless seniors, Democrats and Republicans alike, as well as over 350 organizations rallied to preserve Medicare Part D. But this fight is not over as the administration continues its war on seniors, with cuts to Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans still looming. And the threat of the proposed Part D changes remains as the administration says it could revisit its flawed policies ‘in future years.’"
Upton continued, “It’s troubling that the administration would pursue the ill-advised changes to Medicare Part D in the first place as they would lead to higher costs, fewer choices, and cancelled health care plans for seniors. America’s seniors deserve better than to have their health benefits raided by the Obama administration, they deserve the peace of mind that their health needs will be met without interference."
Energy and Commerce Committee members on Friday wrote to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Marilyn Tavenner calling on the administration to rescind the proposed rule.
The Health Subcommittee recently held a hearing warning of the negative effects of the proposed rule. Principal Deputy Administrator at CMS was unable to assure members that the proposed changes would not lead to more broken promises.
Upton also joined Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-UT) in letters to Tavenner and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius calling on the administration to rescind the proposed rule.
