Marcus Richmond - Health Care
Campaign Website Statements
Government accelerated its intrusion into health care when Congress passed the HMO Act of 1973. This act contributed to the distortion of the market, resulting in higher costs, less coverage and more bureaucracy. Socialist medicine does not work, yet the President and the Democrat controlled congress responded with more government intrusion and bureaucracy by passing Obama-care, despite the many concerns of the people they supposedly represent.
Therefore I support:
– Repealing Obama-care
– Making all medical expenses tax deductible
– Allowing individuals to purchase insurance across state lines
– Returning control of health policies to the state
– Punishing health care fraud
– Reforming medical malpractice lawsuits
– Adopting a sensible program to cover those with pre-existing conditions
Medicare
I am opposed to raising the deductible for anyone currently receiving Medicare, and I oppose raising the Social Security retirement age for those nearing retirement. The promises we made to our seniors and those nearing retirement must be kept. However, unlike career politicians, I am unwilling to pander and play politics with Medicare and Social Security. Real measures must be implemented to reform and protect these programs for now and future generations.
It is projected by some that Social Security Disability funds will be exhausted by 2017 if the present trend continues. Some politicians have already proposed that the regular Social Security fund be used to cover these shortfalls. This is a case of “Robbing Peter to Pay Paul.” Unless this serious issue is addressed, both programs will be in jeopardy. Restructure the disability program to allow more job training so those who are able can resume a more normal life in a different work environment.
Career politicians must stop using scare tactics to frighten seniors in order to gain political points. Fraud and waste must be eliminated now. Real changes in these programs must be implemented and applied to the younger Americans who have time to plan for their future. The alternative is a bankrupt system