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Editor:
I would like to share with your readers some facts on our government run health care plan called Medicare.
I think it will benefit both your wallet and health to stay aware on what is going on in Washington.
My source of information is The Motley Fool, a reliable financial publication.
1. $684 billion, that's how much Medicare benefit payments totaled in 2016. They are projected to rise to $709 billion in 2017.
2. There are more than 57 million enrollees in Medicare, as of October 2016. That's 18 percent of the population or nearly 1 in 5.
3. The ACA or better known as Obamacare has strengthened Medicare in many ways.
Obamacare was designed to contain health care costs that were rising at rapid rates.
Medicare spending grew at an annual average of 9 percent between 2000 and 2010. It slowed to an annual average of 4.4 percent between 2010 and 2015.
4. If Obamacare is repealed our government will lose an estimated $800 billion in tax revenue.
A big tax break for businesses who have to comply with the ACA.
5. If the ACA is repealed about 23 million people will lose health insurance coverage.
That will lead to some tough choices for many: Risk financial disaster to pay for health care, or go without and risk a shorter life.
You shouldn't have to get sick and face losing your home, not in America.
What can you do about it? Contact your representatives in Washington or attend a town hall meeting and let them know how you feel.
Bob Shilling
Salem