FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Isakson Votes to Protect Medicare Advantage Benefits for All Americans in All States
Calls Democrats' Plan to Protect Only Florida Seniors Unfair

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today voted for an amendment that would have protected benefits for all enrollees in the Medicare Advantage program, which serves about 11 million seniors nationwide.

Senate Democrats defeated the amendment by Senator John McCain, R-Ariz., by a vote of 42-57.

“Our seniors rely on the Medicare Advantage program for coverage of essentials such as dental care, eye glasses, hearing aids and flu shots,” Isakson said. “It’s unfair to single out beneficiaries in one state. If these benefits are worth protecting for the seniors in Florida, they should be protected for seniors in every state.”

Under a current provision in the Senate health care bill, Medicare Advantage plans in Florida would receive an additional payment in order to preserve current levels of benefits. As a result, seniors in Florida would not be subject to the significant cuts facing Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in other states.

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