Mediscare And Seniors

Both the Republican party and the Democrats have been hammering for weeks at each other with the sickening goal of scaring seniors. Why is Medicare such a HOT issue? Well, because the total Medicare spending budget for 2013-2022  projected by the Congressional Budget Office is going to cost America $7.8 trillion, after Obama's $716 billion in cuts - that are included in "the federal health care law."

The Democrats have insisted that the Romney-Ryan ticket will increase seniors cost by as much as $6,400 dollars. But, is this true?...No of course not. The Romney-Ryan plan would institute a new premium-support plan beginning with new beneficiaries in 2023. Seniors would pick from private plans, or could choose traditional Medicare if they want. All of which would be offered with a new Medicare exchange. Seniors could purchase private plans with government subsidies. Competition, Ryan has said, would keep costs down. Obama has said the same thing about competition lowing the cost of ObamaCare. Only ObamaCare is targeted for younger workers.

The Obama administration aims to cut $716 billion in the future growth of Medicare spending over the next 10 years, largely by reducing the growth of payments to hospitals and others under the Part A umbrella. Republicans claim by reducing payments to doctors and hospitals  the price of health care could skyrocket for other patients.There is also a risk of doctors dumping seniors on Medicare, because they won't receive the growth in payments that they see fit for their quality services. The new federal health care law also explores new reimbursement systems through pilot programs, with the hope that measures like bundled payments and integrated care for chronic conditions will lower costs. The federal health care law also lowers payment levels to Medicare Advantage, which covers a quarter of all Medicare beneficiaries through private insurance. Medicare Advantage plans currently receive higher payments from the government (9% higher in 2010) on average than traditional Medicare. And recommended savings would most likely come from cuts to Medicare Advantage, the Part D prescription drug program, skilled nursing facilities, home health services, dialysis, ambulance and ambulatory surgical center services, and durable medical equipment services. All of these services mentioned, seniors see vital to their well being. 

Key things to keep in mind about the Mediscare distraction and the Romney-Ryan plan.

1. "The Romney-Ryan plan would leave Medicare unchanged for current beneficiaries, and for those age 55 or older."
2. "Starting in 2023, new beneficiaries would still have the option of choosing traditional Medicare, but they also would have a choice of private plans with Romney-Ryan."
3. "Seniors will receive a subsidy in the form of a “premium-support payment” to cover the cost, or part of the cost, depending on which plan they pick. The premium-support payment will be tied to the cost of the second-cheapest plan, and the plan cost can not rise faster than GDP plus 0.5 percent With the Romney-Ryan plan."
4. Also, keep in mind that the Ryan plan differs greatly from the Romney-Ryan Medicare budget and the Democrats often quote the old plan. So always, always, fact check. 

 Congressional Budget Office. “The 2012 Long-Term Budget Outlook.” June 2012.

Posted by Faith Hope And Politics 2012