Sen. Harkin should look closer at Ryan plan

In response to Sen. Tom Harkin's Aug. 17 guest column, “Ryan budget would end Medicare as we know it”: I read Congressman Paul Ryan's budget, and all I can assume is Sen. Harkin hasn't.

He makes inflammatory statements without proof or sources. Who are these “nonpartisan economists” who say “the 2012 Ryan budget could increase out-of-pocket costs for future seniors by almost $6,000?” Where does he get his information that “vouchers would not be enough to cover health costs?”

From Paul Ryan's House.gov website: there will be no changes to traditional Medicare for seniors older than 55. In 2023, seniors who turn 66 will then have a choice. A Medicare exchange will have been created and all seniors may choose between traditional Medicare and numerous other health insurance plans. All plans, including traditional Medicare, would participate in an annual bidding process. This would keep costs down and quality high. Medicare Chief Actuary Richard Foster agreed. See https:/budget.house.gov/News/Document

Single.aspx?

DocumentID=282298.

All plans in the exchange, including traditional Medicare, would be required to offer insurance plans to all seniors, regardless of pre-existing conditions.

The “voucher” Harkin mentions is your money deducted from your paycheck. These contributions will pay the monthly premium of the plan chosen by the senior, and they also would be risk adjusted; they would increase to account for health status and age.

This is the same plan offered to members of the House and Senate. Good enough for you, Sen. Harkin? But not for the American people?

Michelle VanMarm

Cedar Rapids