Waking up to mail from Mark Kirk always means a new day full of lies, half-truths, tap-dancing, and spin.
Today, as promised, Kirk has begun detailing all of the Medicare "cuts" he sees beginning this year.
Sadly, many Medicare recipients will just assume these are cuts, and not increased benefits because their Congressman says so.
QUESTION: Is a $250 donut-hole reimbursement a cut in benefits?
Kirk-Speak-Answer: Yes (and provided at taxpayer expense, no less!)
Real Answer: No, it is an increase in benefits.
Here is repugnant double-speak logic at its best:
Dear Friends,
I hope my previous email regarding tax and insurance changes was helpful to you. As promised, I have compiled a list of Medicare cuts that will begin to take effect this year.
2010
Medicare Cuts to Hospitals: The federal government will reduce Medicare reimbursements for hospitals who provide seniors with long-term and inpatient and rehabilitation care.
Medicare Part D Rebate: Provides a $250 rebate for all Medicare Part D Enrollees who enter the "donut hole" in 2010.
Warning, Will Robinson... Duh, Seniors beware. Receiving $250 in rebates for medications does NOT help close the donut hole. It is a CUT in Medicare benefits because Mark Kirk says so!!!
2011
Drug Discounts for those in Medicare Part D "donut hole" begin: The federal government will impose a new requirement on pharmaceutical companies to provide a 50% discount on "brand name" prescriptions.
Lions and tigers and bears, Oh My! Receiving a 50% discount on required medications is a CUT in Medicare benefits because Mark Kirk says so.
Please note that this "factual" information is distributed to 10th District constituents with taxpayer dollars from a lame-duck Congressman who is running for Senate.
UPDATE (because someone wanted to see the entire email):
Dear Friends,
I hope my previous email regarding tax and insurance changes was helpful to you. As promised, I have compiled a list of Medicare cuts that will begin to take effect this year.
Please feel free to forward this email along to other interested constituents or post it on your Facebook, Twitter, or MySpace pages. As always, do not hesitate to contact me at 847-940-0202 or via my Web site should issues of concern to you come before the Congress.
Thank you again for your continued interest in these important issues.
Sincerely,
Mark Kirk
Member of Congress
MEDICARE AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDER CHANGES
2010
Medicare Cuts to Hospitals: The federal government will reduce Medicare reimbursements for hospitals who provide seniors with long-term and inpatient and rehabilitation care.
Medicare Part D Rebate: Provides a $250 rebate for all Medicare Part D Enrollees who enter the "donut hole" in 2010
2011
Medicare Advantage Cuts Begin: Approximately 121,000 Illinois seniors will be dropped from their chosen Medicare Advantage coverage.
Drug Discounts for those in Medicare Part D "donut hole" begin: The federal government will impose a new requirement on pharmaceutical companies to provide a 50% discount on "brand name" prescriptions.
Increased Medicare Part D Premiums: Seniors with incomes above $85,000 for individuals and $170,000 for couples will be forced to pay higher Medicare Part D premiums.
Medicare Imaging Cuts: The federal government will cut Medicare reimbursements for seniors who use MRI and CT scans.
Medicare Cuts to Ambulance Services and Durable Medical Equipment: The federal government will begin cutting Medicare reimbursements for seniors who use ambulances or durable medical equipment.
2012
Medicare Cuts for Hospitals with Readmissions: The federal government will cut Medicare reimbursements to any hospital with a high readmission rate.
Medicare Cuts for Hospice Care: The federal government will cut Medicare reimbursements for seniors on hospice care.
Medicare Cuts for Dialysis Care: The federal government will cut Medicare reimbursements for Americans – both youth and seniors – on dialysis.
2014
Medicare Board Cuts: The federal government will establish an Independent Payment Advisory Board with powers to make further cuts to seniors on Medicare.
2015
Medicare Home Health Cuts: The federal government will cut Medicare reimbursements for seniors who depend on home health care.
For more information on additional Medicare changes, click here, and for additional information on the new health care law, please visit:
* House Ways and Means Committee
* House Energy and Commerce Committee
* Heritage Foundation