Clinton Calls For Cap On Medicare Cost Spikes
The Democratic presidential hopeful wants Congress to act to stave off Medicare premium and deductible increases for some beneficiaries after Social Security benefits stagnated. The increases for many would amount to an additional $54 per month in costs.
The New York Times:
Hillary Clinton Puts Republicans On Spot On Looming Entitlement Threat
And she is pressing the Republican presidential candidates to speak out on the matter. “I am deeply concerned by how this could harm Medicare beneficiaries,” Mrs. Clinton said in a statement. “This is outrageous and senseless, and Congress must act to fix the law. I support efforts by the Obama administration and Democratic leaders in Congress to try to resolve this quickly. At a time when out-of-pocket medical costs are already rising, we cannot afford to let Republican obstructionism pile additional costs on our seniors. I urge the Republican candidates for president to call on their congressional majority to end the games and protect our seniors.” The statement from Mrs. Clinton came as the Obama administration is urging Congress to adjust the increase in health insurance premium increases, which could affect almost a third of Medicare beneficiaries. Discussions [are] taking place among leaders in Congress to resolve the problem, but there is a concern that House Republicans may not be persuaded to address it. (Haberman, 10/16)
Reuters:
Clinton Urges Congress To Cap Medicare Cost Increases
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on Friday urged Congress to rein in Medicare cost increases next year, expected to hit millions on the government health insurance program even as Social Security benefits stagnate. Medicare expects Part B premiums, which cover doctor's visits and outpatient care, to rise 52 percent next year, which could hit around 16.5 million people. At the same time, a lack of inflation will keep beneficiaries of Social Security from getting an increase in the amount they receive each month. (Lopez, 10/16)
The Associated Press:
Clinton Wants Congress To Fix Spike In Medicare Bills
Hillary Rodham Clinton is urging Congress to fix an "outrageous and senseless" expected increase in Medicare deductibles and premiums. Clinton says she is "deeply concerned" by news that there will be no cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefits next year. As a result, some Medicare bills are set to increase for many, unless Congress acts to prevent it. (Thomas, 10/16)
In the meantime, Clinton has also received more than $160,000 in campaign donations from the drug industry, The Hill reports. And a major Democratic rival, Bernie Sanders, refuses a campaign donation from one drug company executive who raised prices for one HIV drug. On the Republican side, Marco Rubio speaks out against drug company "profiteering."
The Hill:
Clinton Tops 2016 Field In Drug Industry Donations
Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton has received more campaign cash from drug companies than any candidate in either party, even as she proudly declares the industry is one of her biggest enemies. Clinton accepted $164,315 in the first six months of the campaign from drug companies, far more than the rest of the 2016 field, according to an analysis by Stat News. (Ferris, 10/17)
The Huffington Post:
Bernie Sanders Refuses Donation From CEO Who Raised Drug Price
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) declined to accept a maximum campaign donation from the CEO of a company that increased the price of a drug used by HIV and AIDS patients by hundreds of dollars, choosing instead to donate the money to a Washington health clinic. (Levine, 10/17)
Politico Pro:
Rubio Blasts Drug Company 'Profiteering'
Republican presidential contender Marco Rubio blasted pharmaceutical company “profiteering” on high-cost prescription drugs during a campaign stop this week — a sign that drug prices are becoming a lightning rod for both parties in the election. (Norman, 10/16)
And KHN looks at what -- if anything -- can be done about surging drug prices --
Kaiser Health News:
No Ready-Made Rx For Rising Drug Costs
When Turing Pharmaceuticals raised the price of an older generic drug by more than 5,000 percent last month, the move sparked a public outcry. How, critics wondered, could a firm charge $13.50 a pill for a treatment for a parasitic infection one day and $750 the next? The criticism led Turing’s unapologetic CEO to say he’d pare back the increase – although no new price has yet been named – and the New York attorney general has launched an antitrust investigation. The outcry has again focused attention on how drug prices are set in the United States. Aside from some limited government control in the veterans health care system and Medicaid, prices are generally shaped by what the market will bear. (Appleby, 10/19)
