Protect traditional Medicare plans from Project 2025 proposals

We must preserve this public good and protect it from Project 2025 regarding Medicare. This platform intends to line the pockets of private insurers at the expense of patient care putting profits over people,

This proposal by the far right Heritage Foundation would make “privatized Medicare” the default option for new beneficiaries with automatic enrollment, without your consent and eliminating your choice for traditional Medicare.

If implemented, this costly plan would speed up Medicare’s insolvency to six years sooner (2030) than currently projected.

Medicare Advantage plans receive 122 percent more funding than traditional Medicare for covering similar beneficiaries, costing an additional $83 billion in 2024 alone.

More than 24 million enrolled in Advantage plans would face limited provider networks with 70 percent of area doctors unavailable through these plans. 15 million people would be under-insured due to reduced benefits in many of these plans.

Our seniors value Medicare. My close family member’s first eight years of cancer treatment was covered primarily by Medicare. We are fortunate. Even though necessary, “out of pocket” costs were high for a supplemental plan and a pharmacy discount plan for chemotherapy, Medicare as a primary payor saved us from going broke!

Demand that Congress reject Project 2025. Traditional Medicare must be preserved and Congress must take action to fortify it; take back the billions of wasted dollars on Medicare Advantage overpayments.

Lee Gresko

Mountlake Terrace

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

Monroe’s Betzy Garcia celebrates scoring a touchdown against Everett during the game on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: School levies, bonds invest in future of students

Several school districts seek the support of voters for levies and bonds in the Feb. 10 election.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Jan. 29

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Everett schoola bond, levy ensure quality education

My children attended Jackson Elementary, Evergreen Middle School and Everett High. Back… Continue reading

Everett High students’ walk-out wasn’t a civics lesson

The Everett High School students are protesting once again (“Everett High students… Continue reading

Vote yes for Everett Public Schools bond and levy

Leading up to Feb. 10 voters have the opportunity to approve a… Continue reading

Comment: What’s the endgame for Trump’s blue cities offensive?

Embolden by perceived success, the administration may escalate against protesters, only increasing uncertainty.

Gessen: This is what state terror looks like

A regime based on terror deploys violence to reinforce the message that no one is safe.

People read newspapers from the library selection at the Everett Public Library on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Continue discussion on local journalism support

State lawmakers should reconsider legislation that can aid newspapers and other news sources.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, Jan. 28

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Burke: Recalling heroes of battles past, as the threat rises

Those who defended freedom made the sacrifices required. Are we prepared to protect our democracy?

Lozada: Trump’s fantasy pursuit of ‘hotness’ is killing Americans

For Trump, being ‘hot’ isn’t about poll numbers or a good economy; it’s about constantly holding attention.

Portrayal of federal agents as Nazis offensive

Two things were contrasted in the Everett Herald recently. One was Homeland… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.