Issue Position: Medicare and Social Security

Issue Position

Social Security and Medicare make a real difference in the lives of working Americans and it is a top priority of mine to protect these programs. Since the creation of Social Security and then Medicare, millions of Americans have relied on these crucial programs to live their lives with dignity. Millions more who have paid into the system are counting on these programs to one day provide them with quality health care and income in their retirement. This historic commitment and pledge from our country remains one of our greatest achievements.

I am willing to consider raising the cap on earnings subject to the payroll tax above $110,100 as a way to strengthen Social Security. I would also take steps to make sure that the Social Security Trust Fund is repaid in full for the funds it has loaned during decades of surpluses.

I oppose privatizing Medicare by turning it into a voucher system -- doing so would end Medicare as we know it and diminish its protections and benefits. However, there are practical steps we can take to strengthen the system and preserve its integrity. I am a proud cosponsor of The PRIME Act that was introduced by Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-R). It would enact stronger penalties for Medicare and Medicaid fraud and help prevent improper or mistaken payments for the programs. It will also improve the sharing of fraud data across state and federal agencies and programs. I will work with members of both parties to protect the guarantees of Social Security and Medicare for current and future beneficiaries.

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