Social Security and Medicare
Summary of Position
Social Security and Medicare represent our promise to seniors of a secure retirement. As all 73 million baby boomers approach retirement age by 2030, Congressman DeSaulnier is focused on making sure we provide every retiree with the financial security they deserve. He has been a strong advocate for the protection of safety net programs throughout his time in government service and continues to be a champion for seniors in Congress.
By the Numbers
- 67 million Americans are covered by Medicare.
- 7.7 million disabled Americans rely on Medicare to live healthy lives.
- 97% of individuals aged 60 to 89 either receive Social Security or will receive it during their lifetimes.
- Social Security benefits represent about 30% of the income of Americans aged 65 and older.
Things to Know
- Opposed Republican efforts to make cuts to the Medicare program
- Hosts open forums to discuss ways Congress can protect and expand Social Security benefits
- Supports legislation to provide all Americans with Medicare coverage
- Sponsors legislation to ensure Medicare coverage for eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dental care
Working for You
Making Social Security Work for You
In order to ensure that the benefits owed to seniors are enough to cover basic living expenses, Congressman DeSaulnier is a strong supporter of the Social Security 2100 Act, which increases benefits across the board and sets a reasonable standard for future cost-of-living adjustments. This bill also eliminates the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), two unfair provisions that punish Americans who have devoted much or all of their careers to public service.
Working to Keep Prescription Drug Costs Affordable
To help control prescription drug costs in Medicare, Congressman DeSaulnier supported the Inflation Reduction Act, which became law and establishes a fair price negotiation program, protects the Medicare program from excessive price increases, and establishes an out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare part D enrollees.
Supports Expanding Medicare
The United States currently spends nearly 18% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on health care costs. Every other industrialized country in the world has some form of universal, single-payer health system. Each system is different, but countries have adopted models that works best for their citizens. Congressman DeSaulnier believes that we should follow the example set in Contra Costa at the national level to enable all people to have comprehensive, affordable care. To work toward that goal, he supports the Medicare for All Act.
For a downloadable copy of Mark's Social Security and Medicare work, click here:
