Boehner: "Retirees are gonna be taken care of"

House Speaker John Boehner told CBS News Friday that "there's no ifs, ands or buts" about whether America will take care of its retirees.

But if Medicare is not reformed, he added, "senior benefits are gonna get cut."

"Why? Because they're unaffordable," the Ohio Republican said. "That's why we have to deal with this. And we need to deal with it now."

CBS

The Republican-led House passed a budget in April that transforms Medicare into a voucher-like program for Americans under 55. Democrats have attacked the proposal, with President Obama vowing that he will not "allow Medicare to become a voucher program that leaves seniors at the mercy of the insurance industry, with a shrinking benefit to pay for rising costs."

The government reported Friday that the Medicare hospital insurance fund will be exhausted in 2024.

Boehner made the comments during an interview with Harry Smith at the Capitol for CBS' "Face the Nation." The full interview will be broadcast Sunday.

"Face the Nation" preview: Boehner throws down the debt limit gauntlet

[profswitzer1]

What a dishonest interview by Harry Smith. First he chastizes Boehner for not touching Medicare for anyone over the age of 55 -- saying he isn't really doing enough on debt reduction because they're a huge component of the coming financial burden. Then the next minute he accuses Boehner of targeting the elderly and reducing their Medicare. Um, Harry, were you not paying attention to your own question? Medicare isn't being changed for anyone 55 or older!

[reluctantzealot]

Alas, democrats are still unable to tell where their leader's plans are to reform SS & Medicare......

I keep asking and they keep whining....

[reluctantzealot]

So far, the only information posted on here from dimocrats is the fact that premiums for Obamacare will be a LOT higher than $15,000 per year.....

interesting...

I wonder how much higher they will be?

[mountainstates1]

Not as high as having to pay for your own medicare after the stupid Republicans try to give you a cheap worthless voucher every year! Republicans want to bankrupt the middle class and won't be satisfied until they do. That's why Obama will win re-election by a landslide.

[reluctantzealot]

Uh...but the voucher was for the $15,000 to pay for Obamacare premiums....

So..just how high will Obamacare premiums be???

Do you know?

[recoveringRepub]

Boehner: "Retirees are gonna be taken care of"
House Speaker John Boehner told CBS News Friday that "there's no ifs, ands or buts" about whether America will take care of its retirees.
But if Medicare is not reformed, he added, "senior benefits are gonna get cut."

Yep, I trust them to take care of me, a senior, unless of course they don't get their way then seniors will pay. Look at what he has said. Go Obama! Leaning left will make you feel better!

[reluctantzealot]

Tim Geitner says that if medicare is not reformed it will be broke in just a few years and benefits are going to get cut....

Obama said, "screw em" that's after the election.

[reluctantzealot]

I'll supply that link when you link to Obama's plans to fix SS and Medicare....

LOL

I asked first and most often.

[reluctantzealot]

Where is the democrat plan to fix SS & Medicare??

We would like to discuss the merits of the different plans but so far zilch from obama and reid and company?

Is any democrat offering up anything for public comment???

[reluctantzealot]

Obama, where are the jobs?

[jimbom121]

ummm, more created in the last 2 years than in the previous 8 combines.

Where are the jobs bills from the House?

[reluctantzealot]

Really, then why is unemployment still at 9% ???

Where are the jobs!!!!

Where did the stimulus money go?/


How did we spend 2 trillion dollars for nothing, and yet wall street suddenly is sitting on 2 trillion dollars... coincidence???

Obama where is the recovery? Our debt is growing, unemployment is unacceptable, banks are failing, forclosures are happening, main street store fronts are closing. Where are the new windfarms and solar farms producing energy to take the place of oil? Where are the cheap electric cars? When will Gitmo be closed and KSM prosecuted?

Obama where is your plan to fix SS and medicare???

Obama where is your plan for energy independence????

Obama the only promise kept is the skyrocketing of energy costs and subsequent food costs???

Obama why did you flee from Treasury Notes? What do you know about the value of our debt that you are not telling us, but that you are acting on in your own personal behalf....????

[jandy72]

how is it that Paul Ryan thinks he knows what is best for seniors? He was born with a silver spoon and hence will not require the help that SS and medicare/medicaid affords seniors just to survive. All he's thinking about is helping the big insurance companies rake in billions more while people end up with no insurance or worse yet, paying for insurance with outrageous co pays and deductibles. He trys to come across like the good guy and just trying to save the country...yea, right!! I sure hope the people have finally starting waking up and seeing what the republicans are up to. 2012 is going to be a do or die election . Hopefully we'll get rid of these ideological sham artists who are trying to take away our rights as citizens and especially women's rights.

[reluctantzealot]

Jandy, what solutions are the democrats offering.

I keep asking but haven't found a democrat who can answer that question. Can you?

[reluctantzealot]

variable,

Guess Geitner was lying in his report on medicare on Friday...

He said that medicare would be broke 5 years sooner than expected and that something has to be done.

So.... what are democrats offering up for a plan?

Do you know?

[reluctantzealot]

Still waiting to be told the democrat plan???

[reluctantzealot]

Still waiting for someone to link to Obama or Reid's plans to fix SS and Medicare....

Anyone?

[reluctantzealot]

Not according to Geitner's report.

Even with the 500 billion Obama cut from senior's medicare benefits, medicare is now said to be going broke 5 years sooner than predicted last year.


So i ask again? What is the democrat plan? do you know?

[jimbom121]

Where is the Repub plan...killing it is not a plan.

[Graceaustin]

I already took care of myself by working, paying into social security/Medicare, and saving. I don't need you to "take care" of me, and take offense that you think that's what you'll do! You and the rest of your peers are our employees, not our mommies and daddy's. Do your jobs, clean up the mess that is the military budget (60 percent of the budget), and you'll find the money taken from our contributions.

[reluctantzealot]

SS, Medicare, Medicaid and the Interest on the debt are four times the military budge.

Why do you hate the men and women who risk their lives to keep you safe?

[reluctantzealot]

Variable....

Got ADD ?