MADISON, Wis. – Despite almost 1.2 million Wisconsinites relying on Medicare for health care coverage and benefits, Republican politicians are running on an agenda that would sunset the legislation after five years. Republican politicians who have praised this plan – including Wisconsin’s own Ron Johnson – have made it clear that they’re willing to play political games with the livelihoods of Wisconsin seniors.
If these critical federal programs sunset and are not renewed, seniors would be on the hook for their health insurance and medical costs. In 2019, Medicare made $6.3 billion in payments for recipients across the state, and saved Wisconsin enrollees more than $9,500 annually.
“Wisconsin seniors have been paying into Medicare for decades and rely on the affordable care it brings – the last thing they deserve is Republican politicians leaving them liable for thousands of dollars in health care costs,” said Democratic Party of Wisconsin Rapid Response Director Julia Hamelburg. “Come 2022, Wisconsin voters will hold Republicans accountable for pushing to sunset Medicare and raise health care costs for seniors across the state.”
While Republicans are pushing an agenda that would hike health insurance costs and raise taxes on almost one in three Wisconsinites, President Biden is working to lower costs, bolster Social Security, and alleviate pressures from working families by simply asking billionaires to pay their fair share in taxes. The difference couldn’t be more clear: while Democrats work on behalf of Wisconsin families and seniors, Republican politicians only value billionaires who can cut them a campaign check.
