Most seniors would find that the Paul Ryan plan to end Medicare, supported by Stivers, does nothing more than make it more difficult for people to get medical help. It forces seniors to jump through hoops, and makes things more laborious for them. The Ryan plan would also make seniors face increasing premiums.
The Paul Ryan plan to end Medicare does make some people happy------- the people associated with insurance companies that have contributed to Republicans like Paul Ryan and Steve Stivers. According to OpenSecrets, Rep. Paul Ryan, has received $694,803 from the insurance industry (individuals and PACs), during his time in Congress.
Rep. Steve Stivers received $170,362 in the 2008 campaign (Open Secrets) from the insurance industry, and in the 2010 campaign, Stivers got $168,200 (Open Secrets) from those PACs and individuals involved with insurance.
While Stivers, Paul Ryan, and other Republicans enjoy those campaign contributions from the insurance industry, they are selling out our seniors. Without Medicare, and the programs that have helped seniors for decades, our elderly will suffer tremendously. The Republicans need to listen to their constituents, not their campaign contributors.
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> In a story at CNN, actor Seth Rogen talks about Alzheimer's:Seth Rogen may be known for starring in some raunchy comedies, but there's one issue he doesn't take lightly: Alzheimer's disease.....
"I think until you see it firsthand, it's kind of hard to conceive of how brutal it is," Rogen told CNN on Tuesday. "Until I saw it, you just don't get kind of how heartbreaking it can be."
....But the effect is even more far-reaching than just patients. There are nearly 15 million unpaid caregivers, not counting the rest of the family and friends who tirelessly provide support even though no prevention, treatment or cure has been found. The disease is fatal. The average length of the disease is four to eight years, although some people can live with it for 20 years....
Alzheimer's is a horrible, cruel disease. It can take away so much and it breaks your heart every single day. However, some people in elected office has started to try to find a way to cut funding for those who need skilled nursing care that is provided in nursing homes.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich has proposed cutting funding for nursing homes, and Medicaid recipients. Kasich, according to the Springfieldnewssun, wants people out of nursing homes and into their homes:
Kasich budget proposals are meant to steer more seniors towards PASSPORT — a Medicaid waiver program that helps pay for in-home and community services for seniors who need hands-on assistance — in hopes of saving the state $18.7 million through 2013, said Eric Poklar, director of communications for the governor’s Office of Health Transformations....
.....The state wants to steer 4,800 more seniors toward PASSPORT. That’s because the cost to keep a senior in a nursing home per month, paid for through Medicaid or Medicare, is more than $4,000. PASSPORT costs about $1,300, said Bonnie Kantor-Burman, director of the Ohio Department of Aging....
....But the state’s plan to reorganize Medicaid waivers should make the program cheaper and more efficient, said Kantor-Burman.....
The overwhelming concern of the Kasich administration seems to be looking for cheap alternatives. Cheaper is not better when a loved one needs and requires 24 hour care. Why does Gov. Kasich continue to push for these cuts when the safety of our family members is at risk?
It is time to speak up and let the Republicans know that we will not allow their assault on the elderly and the poor.
