Hundreds Rally Against Proposed Cuts To Medicare
CHICAGO (WBBM) -- Hundreds are gathering this week to rally against proposed cuts to Medicare.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Lisa Fielding reports, protesters chanted, "Stop the cuts!" in the Bronzeville neighborhood as the Health Care Council of Illinois calls on lawmakers to reconsider a proposal that calls for a 6 percent cut in Medicare payments for elderly care.
LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Lisa Fielding reports
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Health Care Council of Illinois executive director Pat Comstock says the cuts are equivalent to 7,000 jobs statewide.
"One – it will impact the care that residents get every day. Second, we're concerned that some of the reforms that were passed will have to be rolled back because there just isn't money to do it," Comstock said.
Gov. Pat Quinn has proposed slashing $70 million in state Medicare payments, meaning Illinois would lose an additional $70 million in federal matching funds.
Comstock says the cuts would have a dramatic impact on seniors in nursing home care, safety, and jobs across the state of Illinois.
