Bush Republicans Deny Mobility and Independence for Seniors and People With Disabilities

[MaineDem]

For Immediate Release
October 23, 2006
Contact: Damien LaVera - 202-863-8148

Bush Republicans Deny Mobility and Independence
for Seniors and People With Disabilities

Washington, DC - America’s senior citizens and people with disabilities are
once again paying the price for the failed leadership and misplaced priorities
of the Bush Republicans in Washington. This month, the Bush Republicans running
the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a new Power Mobility
Devices (PMD) Fee Schedule and a new Coverage Policy that will drastically
reduce reimbursements and eligibility for power mobility equipment. Beginning
November 15, these changes, which will slash Medicare payments for power
wheelchairs by up to 41percent, will place these wheelchairs out of reach for
countless seniors and people with disabilities.

“The Bush Administration’s decision to make wheelchairs less accessible to
seniors and Americans with disabilities is one of the most glaring examples of
the need for a new direction for America,” said Becky Ogle, DNC Senior Advisor
on Disability. “For many seniors and people with disabilities-including people
diagnosed with ALS, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries
and severe brain injuries-mobility equipment is vital for independent living.
Every American deserves the opportunity to live the American Dream, and to make
their contribution to our society. Robbing people of their mobility and
independence, robs them of that opportunity.

“By slashing the Medicare reimbursement to pay for their special interest tax
cuts, the Bush Republicans have once again put the interests of their party and
their special interest friends ahead of the country. While they found the money
to force through a disastrous Medicare drug plan for their friends in the
insurance industry and passed reckless special interest tax cuts that have
produced record deficits, they refuse to find the money to ensure that seniors
and people with disabilities can get reimbursed for their wheelchairs.
Republicans are not content to see seniors fall into the Medicare Part D donut
hole; now they want to take their wheelchairs away, too.

“Democrats are offering a new direction for Americans with disabilities, one
that provides the resources needed to make independent living an affordable
reality for countless seniors and people with disabilities.”

###

Paid for and authorized by the Democratic National Committee, www.democrats.
org. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's
committee.

[nam78_two]

1. kr/nt

[SlipperySlope]

2. K! R!

[orpupilofnature57]

3. Kick ! It's all about the top 15% with this Guy , A kinder , Gentler ration

[kestrel91316]

4. Goody gumdrops! Another tax cut for the rich!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!

[sam sarrha]

5. quote from Hitler.. they are "Worthless Eaters".. looks like Bu$h agrees

[tblue]

6. I hope those remaining stubborn GOP evangelicals hear about this one.

What the hell will it take for them to start voting like real Christians?

[Randy Ranger]

7. Their looking at the big increase in the disabled

Just think of the thousands of disabled vets coming home every day.

[KamaAina]

8. Real people are getting the shaft here

one of them happens to be a close friend of DUer GoPsUx.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

Just when I think I can't possibly hate the Bushies any more than I already do...

[Imagevision]

9. Bush shafted seniors with bogus presciption drug plan, amazing!!

Bush sez, I'll give all you seniors a one time $2250.00 in credit, from $2251.00 thru $5100.00 your own your own, we pay zilch, for those who are still alive? heck! I'll then pay for 95% of your meds cost - but ya'll gotta be alive! (stand-up dude!)

[No Exit]

10. Can't wait to tell my Bush-supporting friend who's now in need of wheelchair

She's to see her doctor in about a week. I told her she needs to tell the doctor to write a letter stating why she needs the wheelchair (a disease called "LEMS"), and for how long she needs the wheelchair(indefinitely). The people at the medical equipment place told me that if I bring this letter to them, they will then work the paperwork to get medicaid to pay for the wheelchair ($40.00/month if medicaid pays; $59.00/month if you pay with actual money.)

Yes, yes, it's true: I actually know a disabled person on medicaid who is FOR BUSH. Yes, it's insane. Yes, I know. Yes, my head is sore from banging it against the wall about this.

Anyhow, if medicaid won't get her the wheelchair, we will still find a way for her to have it when she needs it. But I want her to know WHO it is that's making it harder for her to have the wheelchair!