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Women and the Future of Medicare
Zerlina Maxwell speaks with Morehouse's Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice about the critical
tie between the program and its greatest dependents
While the debate over the future of Medicare rages on, one critical aspect is being
overlooked: the direct connection between the GOP's 'war on women' and the future
of the social safety net. The end of Medicare will impact women the most.
“Women live on average 7 years longer than men,” Morehouse School of Medicine’s Dean
and Executive Vice President, Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice told EBONY. That means
that “there will be a disproportionate share of women who will be impacted by the
changes in Medicare over time. Women outlive men.”
While media focuses on the GOP's attack on contraception, abortion, and pay equity,
the risk for the elimination of the program and its impact on older women should not
be ignored. “[Republicans] want to raise the eligibility age for Medicare up to 67
and more women will need to be in the work force longer because they won’t be eligible
for these benefits.” While the face of the 'war on women' is usually White and young,
the reality is that the attack is on all women, especially those who are older and
brown.
With most seniors on a fixed income, the Ryan plan for Medicare (which moves seniors
to a voucher system by 2023) will put many women in a very tight spot--unable to pay
the additional healthcare costs that are not covered by the voucher. Combine that
with the repeal of Obamacare, which will mean prescription drug costs and the infamous
donut hole will return making healthcare costs high for retirees yet again, and disaster
is imminent. According to a study conducted by the AARP, women are more likely than
men to have chronic illnesses as seniors that require them to take prescription medication
on a regular basis.
“We never really had [the benefits included in Obamacare] in any significant way before.
Women [of all ages] are being provided options," notes Dr. Montgomery Rice.
One of the reasons Medicare is such a popular program is that most Americans do not
want seniors to have to struggle to pay for healthcare at the twilight of their lives.
“We need to provide resources for people where they need it and that is everywhere.
It makes a difference long term in their health and their quality of life.”
The benefits of Obamacare in addition to the savings that allow for the extension
of the Medicare program are critical for seniors and to women. The debate generally
frames the discussion around White retirees in Florida, but people of color are impacted
tremendously. We must remember this as Election Day approaches.
Zerlina Maxwell
http://www.ebony.com/wellness-empowerment/women-and-the-future-of-medicare-422
MSM in the News 2012