Congressman honored for efforts to preserve Medicare benefits

Patrick Meehan (R-PA) was given the Medicare Part D Patient Access Champion Award on Wednesday at his Springfield, Pennsylvania, office by representatives from the Alliance for Patient Access (AfPA) and other  national, state and local health care advocacy organizations.

Meehan was humbled by the recognition.

“I thank these advocates for the work they do on behalf of America’s seniors,” he said. “We must continue working together to strengthen Medicare and ensure seniors have access to the Medicare health coverage that meets their needs.”

Also present as Meehan received the award were representatives from the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, the Pennsylvania State Grange and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

“We salute Congressman Meehan’s steadfast support for a strong Medicare Part D, which has so improved the quality of life for older adults in Pennsylvania and the nation,” Bob Blancato, executive director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, said. “(Meehan’s) support has kept premiums low for older adults, promoted more choices and has produced a program which has cost the taxpayers far less than anticipated.”

Meehan was recognized for his efforts to boost Medicare and keep the Medicare prescription drug program (Part D) in place, and has been a vocal opponent of cuts to the Medicare Advantage program. Several times, he has voted to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) provisions in the Affordable Care Act, which could jeopardize seniors’ access to Medicare through arbitrary cuts.

“The PA State Grange thanks Congressman Meehan for his dedication to serving senior citizens by working to preserve Medicare Part D and to repeal the IPAB provisions of the Affordable Care Act,” Betsy Huber of the PA State Grange said.