Health Care

Every year, to ensure continued competition on premiums and benefits among insurers, seniors have the opportunity to switch their current Medicare Part D prescription plan. This time is called “open enrollment.” It is important to note Medicare beneficiaries satisfied with their current coverage do not have to take any action during the open enrollment period.

As I have been traveling through Nebraska’s Third District during the August work period, I am reminded about the fiscal situation facing our country. I hear from Nebraskans concerned about the future of Medicare and whether it will continue to be effective in the future.

The controversial Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate requiring employers to cover the full cost of contraceptives, sterilizations, and abortion-inducing drugs took effect on August 1, 2012.

The U.S. economy added just 80,000 jobs in June and the national unemployment rate remained above 8 percent for the 41^st consecutive month.

In the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold most of the President’s health care law, Nebraskans deserve to know what the decision means and what steps Congress will take to repeal the law in full to lower health care costs while increasing access to care.

Later this month, the Supreme Court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of President Obama’s health care law, formally known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Make no mistake, this will be a landmark decision with profound implications for the future of our country.