Today, July 30, marks the anniversary of the 1965 signing of the Medicare law, and Congress is considering important legislation, H.R. 3162, "The Children’s Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007," regarding its future.

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives will debate H.R. 3162 to strengthen Medicare and stop its privatization through payments to private Medicare Advantage (MA) programs.  The insurance industry is spending millions in lobbying to continue these subsidies, which are draining the Medicare Trust Fund.  The MA program increases the Part B premiums of all beneficiaries, including those who are not in MA plans.  In addition, there have been cases of fraudulent enrollment and misrepresentation of benefits and erratic quality across plans.  
 
Besides stopping MA plan overpayments, H.R. 3162 improves Medicare.  For example, it includes coverage and waiver of cost sharing and deductibles for preventive and essential screening services and reduces the coinsurance for mental health services.  Let's tell Congress to pass H.R. 3162. 

Here’s what you can do:

1. Please email the letter below to your Member of Congress today.

2. Please call your Congressional office using the toll free number 1-800-828-0498, and ask your Representative to vote for H.R. 3162.

3. Forward this email to friends and ask them to write and call.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to ask you to vote for H.R. 3162, the Children's Health and Medicare Protection Act of 2007. This legislation makes needed improvements to Medicare for current and future retirees. It stops the overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans which drain the Medicare Trust Fund. It also improves Medicare's preventive and screening care services. I urge you to support H.R. 3162.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
July 30, 2007