Biden explains reform benefits to seniors

SILVER SPRINGS, Md., Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Senior citizens will be better off under proposed reforms to the U.S. healthcare system, Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday.

"We will protect seniors, not burden them with out of pocket costs," Biden said during a town hall meeting in Silver Springs Md. "The bottom line is, seniors will be better off under what we are proposing, and not a dollar from the Medicare trust fund will be used to pay for health insurance reform."

Seniors would see their healthcare costs lowered under proposed reforms, said Health and Human Service Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who attended the town hall with Biden.

"Reform will strengthen Medicare, cut drug costs, and help ensure all seniors get the high-quality, affordable care they deserve," Sebelius said.