Carmona for U.S. Senate campaign ad: ‘Life’s Work’

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Press release from the Dr. Richard Carmona for U.S. Seante campaign:

Carmona made saving lives "Life's Work," new campaign ad shows
Congressman Flake will end traditional Medicare

The Carmona for Arizona campaign launched a new statewide television ad today. "Life's Work" showcases Dr. Richard Carmona's career history of saving lives and deflecting partisanship — in distinct contrast to career politician and former lobbyist Congressman Jeff Flake. 

The combat-decorated Special Forces veteran, Pima County Deputy Sheriff and the 17th Surgeon General of the United States will protect and strenghthen Medicare while six-term Congressman Flake wants to slash Medicare benefits, which will end traditional Medicare. 

Video below the fold.

BACKGROUND

Congressman Jeff Flake Supports Privatizing Medicare And Turning It Into A Voucher System, Increasing Out Of Pocket Costs For Seniors By As Much As $6,400 Every Year. In March 2012, Flake voted for the 2012 Ryan budget, which, according to a report from the Congressional Joint Economic Committee staff, would “end Medicare’s role as a health insurance provider.” Instead “individuals will be forced to purchase private health insurance” with vouchers provided by the federal government. The Committee’s staff report concluded that “Based on estimates from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the typical 65-year-old’s out-of-pocket health care costs will increase from $6,154 to $12,513 in 2022—or an extra $6,359.” [H Con Res 34, Vote 277, 4/15/11; Congressional Joint Economic Committee, 5/20/11] 

AARP: Ryan Plan Would “undermine Medicare’s promise” “The Chairman’s proposal, rather than tackling skyrocketing health care costs, would simply shift these costs onto the backs of people in Medicare.  It would undermine Medicare’s promise of secure health coverage—a guarantee that future seniors have contributed to through a lifetime of hard work. If Congress is serious about reining in Medicare costs, it can start by allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower drug prices and speeding up access to generic versions of expensive biologic drugs.” [AARP, 4/5/11]

Congressman Jeff Flake supports GOP "plan [that] would end traditional Medicare" House Republicans also appear to disagree among themselves over whether to proceed with their plan to dramatically revamp Medicare, a major component of the GOP budget plan the House approved last month with no Democratic votes. That plan would end traditional Medicare and give subsidies for insurance, a proposal opposed by the Democratic-controlled Senate and the White House." [Seattle Times, 5/6/11]

Bloomberg: “Ryan’s Budget Bill Also Would End Traditional Medicare By Capping Spending And Offer Vouchers To Buy Private Insurance.” “The difference is the savings in the Republican bill don’t go to help seniors with their prescription drug costs. In fact, Ryan’s legislation increases the amount senior citizens will have to pay for drugs since it repeals the health-care legislation that provides the extra subsidy. Ryan’s budget bill also would end traditional Medicare by capping spending and offer vouchers to buy private insurance.” [Bloomberg, 8/13/12]    

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