Letter to the Editor: Social Security, Medicare and health care on the ballot

To the Editor:

The choice is clear in this election. If you want to eliminate Social Security, Medicare and the protections for pre-existing conditions, then choose Republicans. The reckless payroll tax cut that the administration imposed by executive order will eliminate Social Security by 2023, according to the Chief Actuary at the Social Security Administration. This administration has pledged to completely terminate payroll taxes in a second term, which would further weaken and dismantle Social Security. Also, this administration’s proposed budgets have included more than $845 billion in cuts to Medicare. Medicaid, which covers impoverished seniors’ long-term care costs, would also suffer cuts.

If you want your earned benefits of Social Security and Medicare to be protected, then choose Democrats. Their plans include strengthening and expanding these earned benefits. In addition, Democrats will reduce prescription drug costs to senior citizens by allowing government to negotiate lower prices with Big Pharma. Contrast that with the Republicans, who have refused to negotiate any cost saving measures.

This administration and the Republicans have tried more than 70 times to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare). Among the many benefits of the Affordable Care Act is guaranteed coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. The ACA has boosted coverage among older Americans not yet old enough for Medicare.

Eliminating the Affordable Care Act eliminates health insurance for more than 20 million people. Eliminating protections for pre-existing conditions means more than 130 million people will face higher health care costs, discrimination or getting kicked off their health insurance.

Yes, the choice is clear.

Karen Pratte
Waterville