Is Rod Blum a friend to seniors?

U.S. Rep. Rod Blum claims to be a friend of older Americans. He even holds 'Senior Wellness Fairs” across District 1 to show how much he cares about older Iowans. As someone who works with and advocates for older Iowans with chronic disease, I question his claims.

Blum has walked lockstep with President Donald Trump, even calling himself 'Mini-Trump.” He has repeatedly voted against the Affordable Care Act, which many older Iowans rely on.

His belief that 'entitlement programs” such as Medicare and Social Security are the drivers of debt shows his ultimate interest in cutting two programs that the large majority of older Americans depend upon. Although Blum has backtracked on comments about Medicare and Social Security, his votes are all the proof we need.

His voting record on Medicaid, which pays for long-term care for many Iowans, is disgraceful. He claims he does not support higher premiums for those with pre-existing conditions, but once again his voting record proves different. As someone who claims to 'support veterans,” he needs to realize that many veterans also depend on Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

The people I work with deserve better. They should not have to worry about paying their electric bill versus filling prescriptions. Americans shouldn't have to space out their dosage of insulin because too many in Washington put the interests of insurance and pharmaceutical companies first. No one should worry they are one medical emergency away from bankruptcy. Iowans deserve better than Rod Blum.

Kris Cameron

Cedar Rapids