Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

U.S. SENATOR Jeff Bingaman

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Contact Senator Bingaman's Office:

Jude McCartin
Maria Najera
703 Hart Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-5521

Bingaman: Report Says Medicare "Substantially Improved" by Health Care Reform

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today welcomed news that a new report states the health insurance reform law – enacted in March -- "substantially improves" the financial outlook of Medicare.

The report was issued by the Medicare Board of Trustees, which was established under the Social Security Act to oversee the financial operations of the Medicare program.  In its annual report issued today, the Trustees said the new law will extend the solvency of the Medicare program by an additional 12 years -- through 2029.

"We worked very hard to develop a health reform law that strengthens Medicare for America's seniors.  I am glad that the Trustees concluded we took steps in the right direction," Bingaman said.

The Trustees' report also highlights that many of the positive impacts of the law are dependent on future action by Congress.

"The Trustees are right to point out that the improvements to Medicare can't end with the new health insurance reform law.  Congress will have to take further steps to extend Medicare's solvency, thus ensuring seniors continue to have affordable Medicare services for decades to come."