For Immediate Release                                             Contact: Judith Stein

June 27, 2008                                                                            Executive Director

                                                                                                  (860) 456-7790

One day after the Government Accountability Office reported that private Medicare Advantage plans made $1.14 billion more in profits than they had projected, Senate Republicans used the excuse of protecting these plans to defeat Medicare legislation that would prevent a pay cut for doctors from going into effect and that would add more assistance for low-income older people and people with disabilities.

"We are saddened that the misplaced priorities of some Senators prevented a bill with overwhelming bi-partisan support in the House from coming to the floor of the Senate," Center for Medicare Advocacy Executive Director Judith Stein said.  "As we approach Independence Day and celebrate American values, we need to remember our commitment to those who came before us and question the priorities of those who put the interests of insurance companies over the interests of Medicare beneficiaries.  Once again we call on Senators to pass effective Medicare legislation. It's time to support people with Medicare and physicians over private plan profits."

Judith Stein is available for comment.