Democratic Senators Attack Health Care Compromise on Medicare [View All]

[AlphaCentauri]

Source: Bloomberg

A Democratic compromise over health- care legislation came under attack yesterday from within the party as 10 senators voiced concern the plan would make it harder for the elderly to get medical care.

The Democratic senators were responding to a proposal to expand the Medicare program, which serves Americans age 65 and over, to cover people as young as 55. The 10 lawmakers demanded changes in Medicare reimbursement rates, complaining that Medicare currently underpays states with more efficient medical care, leaving fewer physicians willing to treat patients in the program.

The letter provided more fodder for Republicans who argue that the legislation doesn’t meet a central goal President Barack Obama has set for slowing the increase in health costs and expanding access to medical care.

The Democrats’ letter came a day after a report by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that found the Senate bill would increase total spending on health care and may contain “unrealistic” promises to save money on Medicare.


Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aUmEllkyXD_c&pos=9