Sens. Hassan, Shaheen Cosponsor Legislation to Protect Medicare and Medicaid From Partisan Attacks

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 -- The office of Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release:

Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen cosponsored legislation last week to protect Medicare and Medicaid from partisan attacks. The Medicare and Medicaid Protection Act would require a supermajority (60 votes) to make major changes to these critical health care programs in the wake of repeated attempts from President Trump and Republicans in Congress to slash funding for these vital programs.

"For more than 50 years, Medicare and Medicaid have been delivering health care to seniors and some of our most vulnerable citizens, including those who experience disabilities," Senator Hassan said. "Unfortunately, these critical programs have been under constant partisan attack from the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress, threatening the health and well-being of countless Granite Staters and Americans. This commonsense bill will help safeguard Medicare and Medicaid from reckless attacks that undermine these vital programs."

"Medicare and Medicaid play crucial roles in ensuring Granite Staters and Americans throughout the nation have access to affordable and quality health care, regardless of income or wellness," said Senator Shaheen. "Rather than strengthening these programs to help Americans get the health care services they need, Congressional Republicans and the Trump administration have subjected Medicare and Medicaid to repeated partisan attacks that threaten the health and wellbeing of the millions who rely on these programs for necessary care. That's unacceptable. I'm proud to support this legislation to combat these destructive efforts, and I will keep fighting to protect and strengthen Medicare and Medicaid for future generations."

The Medicare and Medicaid Protection Act would help prevent devastating changes to Medicare or Medicaid by requiring 60 votes in order to make changes to Medicare that raise the eligibility age, change eligibility requirements, or privatize and turn the program into a voucher system. The amendment would also require 60 votes before any change could be made that would block grant Medicaid or roll back Medicaid expansion. The bill was introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and was also cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Doug Jones (D-AL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Jack Reed (D-RI).