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Quality
of life for seniors is topic for Graves' tour
by
Jalana Robinson
Landmark reporter
Congressman
Sam Graves met with seniors of Platte County recently
as part of a series of meetings focusing on senior issues
that he will be holding within the 6th District.
At
a meeting in the Hillview Nursing and Rehab in Platte
City last week, Graves addressed seniors and spoke on
issues such as increasing access to quality health care;
helping seniors better prepare for retirement; and improving
the quality of life for seniors.
One
issue Congressman Graves noted was reforming the Medicare
system to better serve seniors. He recognized that most
seniors are living within a very strict budget on Social
Security and pensions, and that they are sometimes not
able to afford prescription drugs they need.
This
is why Congressman Graves said he supported a budget resolution
that included $153 billion over 10 years in additional
Medicare spending to fund a prescription drug benefit.
He
also explained that the National Institute of Health is
responsible for research that helps find cures for diseases
and illnesses. Graves said he voted for a budget that
doubles the National Institute of Health budget over a
five year period.
Another
concern with Medicare was the reduction in payments to
home heath care providers by the Balanced Budget Act of
1997, which caused many seniors to lose their home health
care service. Graves said he supported this year's budget
that includes a reserve fund of $13.7 billion over 10
years for Medicare home health spending.
"I
am committed to finding a better way to provide quality
health care, affordable prescription drugs, as well as
in-home care for seniors in our communities," said
Graves.
In
order to safeguard the Social Security for seniors, Graves
said he supports the Social Security Guarantee Act of
2001. This gives seniors currently on Social Security
benefits a guarantee that their benefits will not be reduced
if any changes should occur in the Social Security program.
Graves
also co-sponsored the Social Security and Medicare Lockbox
Act that passed and will keep any surplus of funds from
being raided and used for politicians' projects.
"At
the same time, we need to keep our promise to seniors
that their Social Security funds will not be spent on
anything but Social Security," said Graves.
The
Notch Baby Act of 2001 supported by Graves, will increase
the level of benefits received by notch babies until they
receive equal benefits.
Notch
babies are those who were born after 1916 and before 1931
and have lower Social Security benefits than retirees
born before and after that time.
At
the same time Graves is helping to support legislation
to repeal the 1993 Clinton tax on Social Security.
"Our
seniors are living longer and are increasingly independent,"
said Graves. "They want to enjoy their retirement
and maintain a good quality of life."
Legislation
known as the Long-Term Care and Retirement Act, co-sponsored
by Graves, will help assist seniors requiring long-term
care facilities.
In
order to improve the quality of life for seniors, Graves
is a sponsor of The Older Americans Act. This legislation
provides nutrition programs such as meals on wheels; employment
opportunities; and transportation services.
"It
is essential that Congress assist these organizations
and programs to insure that they have the resources to
continue," said Graves.
After
Graves finished speaking with the seniors and answering
their questions at Hillview, he toured the facility and
gathered first-hand information that will help him reach
out to the needs of seniors and keep Congress informed.
He
spoke with seniors in Platte City as part of his month-long,
district-wide tour.
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