Indy Standard

Ranking Member Mike Braun has released the top priorities for the Senate Special Committee on Aging for fiscal year (FY) 2025. In a letter addressed to Senate Budget Committee Chairman Sheldon Whitehouse and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley, Senator Braun highlighted key areas of focus for the committee.

Senator Braun emphasized the importance of sustaining essential programs for seniors such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, along with improving retirement security and standing up for seniors in the gig economy. He also stressed the need to reduce barriers for individuals entering the healthcare workforce and to increase healthcare options and access to care.

Regarding budget concerns, Senator Braun raised alarms about the national debt reaching $34.6 trillion, expressing worries about the impact on programs designed to protect older Americans. He stated, "Both Medicare and Social Security will be insolvent within the next decade. Rather than massive tax increases, President Biden and Congress should be calling for reduced spending to sustain these vital programs."

Senator Braun further outlined the committee's commitment to prioritizing policies that sustain safety net programs for seniors, protect retirement funds, grow the healthcare workforce, and lower healthcare costs. He called for increased transparency in healthcare pricing and urged Congress to pass legislation aimed at reducing prescription drug costs and promoting competition in the healthcare industry.

In conclusion, Senator Braun highlighted the committee's dedication to increasing healthcare options and access to care for individuals, particularly focusing on affordability through competition and transparency. He urged Congress to pass bipartisan bills such as the Health Care PRICE Transparency Act 2.0 and the Promising Pathway Act to improve healthcare efficiency and affordability for all Americans.

The full letter outlining Senator Braun's priorities for the Senate Special Committee on Aging can be accessed through the provided link.