Petition to Congress Opposing Means Testing for Medicare Premiums

For the first time since Medicare's creation over 40 years ago, seniors will no longer pay the same amount for the same services. Premium rates for Part B – which covers doctors' visits, tests, and outpatient care – will now be determined based on income, or "means testing". As a result, as many as 2.3 million seniors will have to pay dramatically more for a benefit intended to help protect the hard-earned assets of these older Americans.

An estimated 50,000 seniors are expected to drop their Medicare Part B coverage next year when their premiums go up. Those seniors are likely the ones without preexisting health problems, who find it easiest to qualify – and pay for – private insurance. Left behind will be the sickest and oldest.

Means testing will save barely three-tenths of one percent of Medicare's budget over the next 10 years. With looming budget deficits, it is only logical to presume that this is just the first group of Medicare recipients that will be targeted for means testing. Next could be those with $60,000 in income. Or $40,000.

We, the undersigned, would support a bill to repeal means testing, helping to ensure the long-term viability of the system.

Respectfully signed by these concerned citizens.