OPPOSE MEDICARE CUTS

WHEREAS, the Republican leadership in Congress has proposed drastic cuts in Medicare funding over the next seven years while advocating a tax cut that would primarily benefit the wealthiest Americans; and

WHEREAS, Medicare beneficiaries would be expected to pay higher deductibles and Part B premiums than scheduled under the current formula over the next seven years; and

WHEREAS, doctors would be allowed to overcharge beneficiaries under the Republican leadership’s proposed managed care plan; and

WHEREAS, the Medicare Part A Trust Fund can be fully funded through 2002 without adding costs to beneficiaries; and

WHEREAS, the healthiest 90 percent of seniors cost Medicare only one-third of the average cost per beneficiary, while the sickest 10 percent cost Medicare seven times the average amount in 1993; and

WHEREAS, proposed Medicare Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) would divide the senior population into separate pools of the sick and the healthy, thus draining funds meant to pay for the sick and creating a windfall for the healthy:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers will work vigorously with all members of Congress to defeat harsh and unreasonable cuts in government support of the Medicare program and will oppose all forms of medical vouchers that reward the healthy and drive up traditional Medicare costs; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT commend and support the President’s efforts to protect the integrity of the Medicare program. (Executive Council)