Oct. 20: Where They Stand: Social Security and Medicare

By Sylvia Gurinsky

This is a continuation of a look at the stands and voting records of Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama, with an emphasis on Social Security and Medicare. Information and votes come from the candidates' Web sites and Project Vote Smart.

John McCain

-Medicare payment system: From the Web site: "We must reform the payment systems in Medicaid and Medicare to compensate providers for diagnosis, prevention and care coordination. Medicaid and Medicare should not pay for preventable medical errors or mismanagement."
In July, McCain did not vote on a Medicare expansion bill.
In February, 2006, McCain voted No on an amendment to expand the enrollment period for the Prescription Drug Benefit Program and allow changes without penalty. He voted No on similar legislation in November, 2005.

-Drug benefits: In June, 2003, McCain voted No on a bill to provide a voluntary prescription drug benefit under Medicare.

-Costs: In June, 2000, McCain voted Yes on an amendment to protect Social Security and Medicare surpluses through "budgetary enforcement mechanisms."

-Long-Term Care: McCain is interested in state programs that provide a monthly stipend for care and have seniors designate a caregiver.

-Social Security: In March, 2000, McCain voted Yes on a bill allowing seniors ages 65 through 69 to continue to earn money without a reduction in their Social Security benefits.

For more information: http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/


Barack Obama

-Medicare Advantage: Obama's Web site says the private plan is actually more expensive to the government than traditional Medicare. Obama wants to eliminate additional subsidies and put the program on even footing with traditional Medicare.

-Drugs under Medicare: Obama would repeal the ban on the government negotiating for lower drug costs for consumers.

-Spending: In July, Obama did not vote on a Medicare expansion bill.
In February, 2006, Obama voted Yes on an amendment to expand the enrollment period for the Prescription Drug Benefit Program and allows changes without penalty. He voted Yes on similar legislation in November, 2005.

-Transparency: Obama would require companies to send Medicare beneficiaries a full list of the drugs and fees they paid the previous year.

-Social Security retirement age: Obama opposes raising the retirement age.

-Social Security privitization: Obama opposes the privatizing of Social Security.

-Social Security support: Obama proposes asking those making more than $250,000 to contribute between 2 and 4 percent more.

For more information:

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/seniors/