Did Ron Johnson vote to turn Medicare into a voucher program?
Also that year, we rated Mostly True a Democratic Party of Wisconsin claim that "Ron Johnson voted to turn Medicare ‘into a voucher program.’" We found that Johnson supported a proposal from then-House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Janesville.
Is Ron Johnson promising to ‘phase out Social Security and Medicare’?
"Now, Ron Johnson is promising that if the GOP takes the majority, they are going to raise taxes on middle class workers and phase out Social Security and Medicare." A March 16, 2022 Lasry campaign ad cut to the chase and starkly said: "Ron Johnson supports the new Republican plan that phases out Social Security and Medicare."
Should Social Security and Medicare be saved for future generations?
His staff says Johnson feels these programs should be saved for future generations. For more than half a century, Social Security and Medicare have been two of the most politically sacrosanct programs in the U.S. That means hackles are raised anytime there are any plans, proposals, or allegations that changes are sought for the federal programs.
Will Medicare and Social Security be phased out?
The proposal does not specifically say Medicare and Social Security would be phased out, but does refer to "federal legislation." And both programs were created generations ago through federal legislation. Here is where the claim gets a bit messier.
Is Congress changing the age for Medicare?
More than 125 House lawmakers introduced legislation Friday that lowers the Medicare eligibility age to 60 from 65. The Improving Medicare Coverage Act — led by Reps.
Does Biden expand Medicare to age 60?
Biden himself in April of 2020 announced his proposal to allow Americans between the ages of 60 and 64 the option of buying into Medicare, the federal health insurance program for the elderly.
Will Biden lower the age to qualify for Medicare?
The Proposal for Medicare at 60 Besides a proposal to offer a public health insurance option similar to Medicare, President Biden hopes to lower the Medicare eligibility age to 60. During the presidential race, this was part of his health care platform. Currently, the age at which one becomes Medicare-eligible is 65.
What happened to lowering the Medicare age to 60?
Lowering Medicare eligibility to age 60 would cost $380 billion over 10 years—even after accounting for Affordable Care Act savings from lower spending on subsidies and assuming that employers continue to offer health insurance to those newly eligible for Medicare.
The Senators
According to OpenSecrets, several high-ranking Democrats have been accepting money from healthcare lobbyists for decades, and this may have influenced their support (or lack thereof) for the bill. These Senators range from establishment Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (NY), to newcomers like Senator Doug Jones (AL).
What is lobbying?
Lobbying is the act of influencing businesses and policies in order to support a specific agenda. In America, that often means lobbyists funnel money into the pockets of politicians to persuade those politicians to back or oppose the agenda of the lobby group.
Other Medicare reform bills
These Senators may not support a single-payer system, but several do support Medicare reform.
Roll-call votes on significant Medicare legislation
Are individual members of Congress working to preserve Medicare as we know it, or to weaken this key component of the social safety net? We’ve selected key votes, revealed how each member of Congress voted and then told you how we think they should have voted.
House of Representatives
04/10/2014 Establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2015 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2016 through 2024.
United States Senate
11/25/2003 Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003