Working for

health care justice

http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2007/06/27/cmMEDICARE_LARGE_wideweb__430x313,0.jpg

The U.S. Senate will likely vote on an important Medicare bill this afternoon, today, Wednesday, July 9

They need to hear from you NOW!

Take 5 minutes and make a toll-free call.

U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker voted against the bill before their July 4th recess.

Call your two U.S. Senators now at 1-800-828-0498 and tell them to support seniors and people with disabilities by voting for the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 6331).

Before leaving for its July 4th break, the Senate voted to end the filibuster of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, H.R. 6331. Unfortunately even with the support of nine Republicans and all Democrats present, they still fell one vote short.

Senate leadership has announced it is not giving up. We just learned that there may be another vote on the bill later today.

Please contact your Senator now at 1-800-828-0498 and tell him or her to support seniors and people with disabilities by voting for the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 6331).

This bill makes several important improvements that will help seniors and people with disabilities get the health care they need, including:

  1. Broader protections for low-income beneficiaries
  2. Expanded coverage for preventive services
  3. Reduced cost-sharing for mental health services
  4. Stronger consumer protections
The bill also makes needed changes to private Medicare Advantage plans and re-directs funding to Medicare’s health care providers. This is the same bill that passed the House overwhelmingly at the end of June. It is supported by beneficiary groups and physicians. The only opposition comes from the White House, the health insurance industry, and its conservative allies in the Senate.

Contact your Senator now at 1-800- 828-0498 and tell him or her to support the Medicare bill -- the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 6331).

For more information on the need to rein in Medicare Advantage, Click here.

Be sure to also thank your member of Congress who supported the House Bill: Congressmen Steve Cohen, Jim Cooper, David Davis, Lincoln Davis, Bart Gordon, John Tanner, and Zach Wamp.

Congresswomen Marsha Blackburn and Congressman John Duncan voted against the House bill.

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Tony Garr, tgarr@thcc2.org

Tennessee Health Care Campaign, www.thcc2.org