Wasserman Schultz Amendment Protects Seniors in Nursing Homes
WASHINGTON – As the House Budget Committee began debate today on the Republican budget proposal for 2013, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) introduced an amendment to prevent cuts that would be detrimental to seniors across the country.
“My amendment would stop the Republican’s proposed reckless and shameful cuts for seniors in nursing homes,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “In gutting Medicaid, their budget proposal jeopardizes health security for 5 million seniors, 10 million individuals with disabilities, and 28 million children.”
Her amendment would ensure that funding does not run out for seniors and people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid assistance to help with the costs of their nursing home care and other necessary services.
In addition, the amendment accounts for low-income Medicare beneficiaries who are also eligible for Medicaid, and works to ensure that they would receive assistance for paying their premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
“The harmful spending cuts incorporated into this budget proposal go further than simply damaging a fragile recovery,” continued Wasserman Schultz. These cuts pull the rug out from under our most vulnerable – our seniors, our children, and those with serious illness. We must not allow these backward policies to prevail, and instead our goal must be to work toward a future where we prevent our country’s families from falling into poverty.”