Tierney rips Ryan plan on Medicare to Lynn seniors

LYNN – U.S. John Tierney was well received by the primarily Spanish crowd Friday afternoon at the North Shore Senior Center, where he discussed differences between the Democrat and Republican goals for Medicare.Center Director Yoleny Ynoa said many seniors have “been afraid” for the future of Medicare in the wake of former Gov. Mitt Romney?s selection of U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan n author of the Republican budget in the House – as a running mate.Ynoa said seniors are especially afraid for programs cuts effecting organizations like the Center.?They are afraid the Republicans will change what they have right now,” he said.Tierney paused between each sentence so it could be translated for the room.?Many of you have been concerned about the discussion of Medicare,” Tierney said. “There?s a lot of misinformation put out there – some of it purposefully, and some because people don?t know the details.”Tierney told the crowd the Ryan would “change Medicare dramatically,” into a program where seniors would purchase private insurance with government vouchers that are “not equal to the cost of the program.” Tierney said the cost will be shifted to the individual and cost “thousands more.”?It appears it would affect people 65 and older ? It would eliminate free annual wellness checks and free screenings for cancer,” said Tierney of the Ryan/Romney plan.While Tierney steered clear of discussing Obamacare, he said Democrats planned to “make sure we keep growth in costs down ? and strengthen the program” by “not overpaying private insurers,” and purchasing prescription drugs in bulk.?Republicans wouldn?t do that because these are their pals – the prescription drug companies,” said Tierney after the speech.Tierney said Ryan?s budget actually incorporates the same savings that the Democrats want, but Romney is trying to spin the information so the savings are presented as Medicare “cuts.” Tierney added “independent fact checking” have proven what Romney said isn?t true.?He has a [running mate] who understood they weren?t cuts, they were savings,” said Tierney. “They?re hurting their spin. They?re trying to confuse the issue.”When Tierney was finished speaking, the microphone was passed among the seated crowd of seniors for questions, where Tierney seem to have more comments of approval than questions.?Be sure to know that we are all Democrats in here,” said Anna Santiago (as translated by Activity Director Grey German), to which everyone cheered and applauded.Anna Torresm via translator, added, “Thank you for coming to visit us this year – this program has your vote.”Kait Taylor may be reached at [email protected].