Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Ryan's Plans For Medicare Could Hit Obstacles In Trump White House
The Hill: Medicare Looms Over Trump-Ryan Alliance
President-elect Donald Trump and Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) could be on a collision course over Medicare. Ryan is defending his long-standing proposal to make the program more reliant on private plans, arguing such a change is necessary to keep Medicare fiscally sustainable. But Trump said repeatedly during the campaign that he wanted to protect Medicare, not overhaul it. Vice President-elect Mike Pence reiterated that position on Sunday. Given the possible resistance from Trump, and even from Senate Republicans, it is unclear how hard Ryan will push for Medicare changes `next year, despite his clear desire to overhaul the program. (Sullivan, 12/6)
The Star Tribune: Blue Cross, Fairview Dispute Snags 45,000 In Medicare
It’s crunch time for about 45,000 people treated by doctors with Fairview Health Services who also have a Medicare health plan from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. For weeks, Blue Cross and Fairview have been notifying patients that a contract dispute means people with Blue Cross coverage might not have access to Fairview at the lower in-network rates starting in January. (Snowbck, 12/6)
