Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
GOP's Focus On Health Care Could Put Medicare In The Cross Hairs
The Wall Street Journal: What A GOP Government Potentially Means For Medicare Beneficiaries
Medicare beneficiaries could face big changes as the Republican Party, fresh off its election sweep, looks to revamp the federal health-care system. While Donald Trump had said before his campaign’s launch that “I’m not going to cut Medicare or Medicaid,” the president-elect’s transition website has signaled support for longstanding Republican-backed plans to “modernize Medicare.” (Tergesen, 11/22)
Modern Healthcare: Is America Ready For A Major Medicare Overhaul?
During the presidential campaign, Donald Trump repeatedly promised not to touch Medicare and blasted other Republicans for proposing to restructure the popular program. But soon after his surprise victory Nov. 8, the president-elect and congressional Republican leaders signaled they will move rapidly to turn the giant government-run health insurance program into a “premium-support” system that pays private plans and the traditional fee-for-service program a fixed amount per beneficiary. The idea is to have the traditional program compete with private plans on equal terms and let beneficiaries choose between them, paying out of pocket for premiums that exceed the voucher amount. (Meyer, 11/22)
NewsHour: Senior Advisor Says Trump Is Open To Listening On Climate, Medicare
Kellyanne Conway, senior advisor to the Trump Transition Team, joins Judy Woodruff to discuss what’s ahead, the president-elect’s views on Hillary Clinton and the Paris climate accord, as well as his plan for Obamacare, comments on the alt-right and more. (11/22)
The Fiscal Times: One Expert Says Seniors Would Lose With Ryan’s Medicare Plan
The Republicans’ pledge to dismantle and eventually replace the Affordable Care Act has been getting considerable attention in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton. But once the new GOP-controlled Congress takes action in January, there could be plenty more fireworks when Republican leaders turn their attention to Medicare, the popular but pricey health care program serving 57 million seniors. ... Philip Moeller, an award-winning business journalist, author and expert on aging, health and retirement, is among the vocal critics of [House Speaker Paul] Ryan’s approach. (Pianin, 11/23)
