Campaign 2012

Tester tours Montana saying he'll protect benefits for elderly

Posted: Aug 31, 2012 4:37 AM by MTN News
Updated: Aug 31, 2012 10:32 AM

HELENA - Senator Jon Tester is traveling around Montana, meeting with seniors and hearing their concerns about Social Security and Medicare.

Yesterday the Democratic senator, who's running against Congressman Denny Rehberg to keep his seat, made his fourth stop in Helena at the Touchmark Retirement Home.

Wellness Director Nanette Holmes said that with the uncertainty in Washington, DC, seniors are concerned about the future of their safety net programs.

"They are still afraid of, 'What if I did get sick? Are there repercussions? Can I pay for it? Will Medicare help pay for it? Will my insurance still be there to help supplement and help pay for it?'" Holmes said. "That's not something you wanted to be worried about when you are in your 80s and 90s."

Tester asked the seniors fill out a questionnaire. He's taking the answers back to Washington and will use them as he continues to work on the budget and address the federal deficit.