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Pelosi Statement on Medicare Part B Premium & Deductible Increases

October 15, 2015

Contact: Drew Hammill/Evangeline George, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after the Social Security Administration announced there will be no COLA increase for Social Security in 2016, precipitating large premium and deductible increases for Americans on Medicare Part B:

"Today, the Social Security Administration announced there will be no cost of living adjustment increase for Americans on Social Security. With this announcement, the need for immediate action to address the increases in Medicare Part B is clearer than ever.

"Unless the Republican Congress brings a bill to the floor soon, almost 8 million American seniors will be hit with the largest premium and deductible increases in the history of Medicare Part B. State Medicaid budgets will face the sudden shock of millions of other low-income seniors exposed to these increases. All seniors will see their deductibles leap up, and many retirees on fixed incomes will face a blow to their monthly budgets, with no relief from an increase in their Social Security check.

"Yet again the chaos of the Republican Congress is creating a crisis in the lives of millions of Americans. We know what needs to be done, but Republicans have failed to act. It is time for Republicans to end their Calendar of Chaos and join Democrats on a path to progress to do the right thing for America's seniors."

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Issues:Health Care