Congressman presented with “Summer 2013 Champion of Seniors Award”

The National Grange, in collaboration with the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities (KAHCF), presented Congressman Andy Barr with the “Summer 2013 Champion of Seniors Award” today. The Congressman received the award for his unwavering efforts to protect the health benefits and security of Kentucky’s seniors and persons with disabilities.

The Grange, a national, nonpartisan grassroots organization that advocates on behalf of America’s rural seniors, and KAHCF, the trade association representing 234 nursing facilities and personal care homes across the Commonwealth, presented Barr with the award during a ceremony at Tanbark Health & Rehabilitation in Lexington.

“Congressman Barr has exhibited outstanding leadership in Congress to protect Medicare and ensure access to affordable prescription medicines and health care choices for seniors,” said Ruby Jo, President of the KAHCF. “We are excited to present him with the ‘Summer 2013 Champion of Seniors Award’ today on behalf of seniors across the Commonwealth.”

“I am committed to protecting Medicare for current seniors, while also advancing responsible reforms which will strengthen the program in the long-term, avert the looming bankruptcy of a core Medicare component, and ensure Medicare can be sustained for future generations of Americans,” said Congressman Barr.

Commerce Lexington was also in attendance and thanked Barr for his service on behalf of seniors.

Criteria for the award included:

1. Exhibiting outstanding leadership in Congress to protect Medicare, which is critical to millions of American seniors and their families.

2. Opposing across the board cuts made by unelected boards.

3. Ensuring access to affordable prescription medicines for seniors through the Medicare Part D program and opposing any efforts to implement price controls or similar measures that would lead to increases in premiums for seniors.

4. Demonstrating a continued commitment to protect the doctor/patient relationship for seniors and opposing any efforts that might weaken it in any way.

5. Preserving a vast selection of health care options for seniors so that they may choose the best plan for themselves and their families.

6. Representing senior constituents with individual issues before government agencies so that they receive the benefits and services they have earned.

7. Supporting government services and necessary funding for senior programs in the Representative’s district.