SR-106-023-02 (3)
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city Council Meeting 2/28/89
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Santa Monica, California
STAFF REPORT
TO:
Mayor and city Council
FROM:
Commission on Older Americans
SUBJECT:
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZATION FOR THE
COMMISSION ON OLDER AMERICANS TO COMMUNICATE WITH
ELECTED OFFICIALS REGARDING MEDICARE
INTRODUCTION
This report requests authorization from the city Council for the
commission on Older Americans to communicate with elected
officials in Congress and executives of the American Association
of Retired Persons regarding provisions of Medicare.
BACKGROUND
Periodically, legislative amendments to Medicare are considered
by Congress.
These issues are of significant concern to the
Commission on Older Americans.
The COA is requesting council
authorization to communicate with appropriate officials as these
issues arise in the future.
For example, the Medicare
Catastrophic Coverage Act was passed by the loath Congress of the
United States to shield older Americans from financial ruin in
the event of prolonged acute illness. This Act was endorsed and
supported by the American Association of Retired Persons.
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FEB 2 8 1989
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The Commission on Older Americans for the city of Santa Monica
feels this Act is unfair and discriminatory as it levies a
prohibitive tax increase on senior couples.
It is estimated
that, by 1993, that tax could be as high as $2,100.00 per couple.
In addition, as written, this Act would require 45% of the
beneficiaries to assume all costs.
Therefore, the Commission on Older Americans is asking the 101st
Congress to withhold implementation of the loath Congressional
Act to allow further study of the provisions, its financial
funding, and how it will impact and affect the interests of
senior Americans.
BUDGETARY/FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no budgetary/financial impact.
RECOMMENDATION
staff recommends that the City Council authorize the Commission
on Older Americans to communicate with elected representatives
in Congress and executives of the American Association of Retired
Persons on specifics of the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act,
as well as future Medicare amendments which may be proposed.
Prepared by:
Barbara Franklin-Moran
Director, Cultural and Recreation Services
Dodie Mosby
Business Administrator, Cultural and Recreation
Services
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