Obama: Cut Medicare Spending, Don’t Harm Seniors
Democrats must make concessions to reduce spending on Medicare and other entitlement programs, President Obama said in a news briefing Wednesday, but he tempered calls for cuts with promises not to transfer costs to seniors. However, he did not allude specifically to how he would reduce Medicare spending in the short term, and expressed his […]
Next Gray Generation (Slightly) Better Off
As a group, the next generation of seniors will still have trouble paying for health care, but they’ll fare better than current retirees, according to a report released Tuesday by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Future retirees, the report said, will have slightly higher incomes, greater savings and more equity in their homes. But that doesn’t […]
70 for Medicare? Unexpected Agreement
UPDATE 4:40 p.m.: Sens. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., and Tom Coburn, R-Okla., released a proposal Tuesday to overhaul Medicare that included an increase in the eligibility age to 67. ORIGINAL POST: Gail Wilensky and Bruce Vladeck rarely agree on anything, yet the two former Medicare administrators managed to find some common ground Tuesday in an idea […]
Berenson: Take Small Steps Now To Lower Medicare Costs
Robert Berenson, an Urban Institute fellow and former official at the Department of Health and Human Services, says a number of small Medicare initiatives are “low-hanging fruit” that could be pursued now in order to control the program’s spending.
Panel Urges Crackdown On Medicare’s Use Of Imaging
Congressional advisory group recommends that doctors who order a lot of MRIs, CT scans and other such procedures be forced to get prior approval.
Fact Check: Pat Boone On The Ryan Plan
Even as some Republicans distance themselves from the House-passed budget that would fundamentally change the Medicare program, the conservative seniors group 60 Plus’ celebrity spokesman Pat Boone is boosting the plan.
Conservative Senior Group Comes Up Short In NY Race
Sixty Plus, a 19-year-old organization, has become increasingly active in pushing Republican candidates and causes, will be effective in next year’s elections. It tried to have an impact on this week’s congressional race in New York.
‘Playing the Granny Card’s Gotta End’ – Douglas Holtz-Eakin On Medicare And Politics
In an interview with KHN, the former adviser to President George W. Bush and presidential candidate John McCain says the health law is standing in the way of reining in Medicare and Medicaid spending and that he always believed that the law “was a dead man walking.”
Ignoring Political Risk, Ryan Renews Push For Medicare Vouchers
Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., says he will include “aggressive” changes to Medicare in his upcoming budget proposal.
Sebelius Squad’s Mission: Medicaid Savings
The Obama administration is dispatching aides to states to offer advice on holding down spending on the program for the poor.
Texas Presses For Money-Saving Medicaid Changes
The Lone Star State isn’t seeking to opt out of Medicaid anymore, but it’s joining other states in pressing Washington for more flexibility in running the program.
States Seeking To Cut Medicaid Rolls Get Some Help
Federal officials are walking a fine line trying to satisfy the demands of budget-strapped governors who want to cut their Medicaid programs.
FAQ: The Shrinking Medicare Doughnut Hole
Beginning this year, seniors who hit the coverage gap will get substantial discounts on both brand-name and generic drugs.
Sebelius Vows To Ensure CLASS Program Is Financially Viable
HHS is considering a number of options to make sure healthy, less costly people are attracted to the long-term care program and costs are held in check.
Ignoring Health Law Is ‘Risky Posture’ For States: KHN Interview With Alan Weil
State health policy expert Alan Weil offers his take on how states are wrestling with the implementation of health reform
States May Face Showdown With Feds Over Cutting Medicaid Rolls
Arizona has already asked for permission to trim back the program, and other states may follow as enhanced funding from Washington expires.
Congress’ New GOP Doctors Say Health Law Is Wrong Prescription
Elected last fall, new members of the white-coat caucus are ready and willing to cast their votes for repeal.
The lack of an inspiring name for the health care law complicates Democrats’ efforts to gain public support.
2014 Question Looms: Could Medicaid Recipients Buy Insurance On Exchanges?
As budget-weary state officials contemplate dropping out of the Medicaid program, a potentially game-changing question has arisen in Washington: Would poor people who lose coverage get subsidies to buy private coverage?
States’ Woes Spur Medicaid Drop-Out Talk
Faced with widening deficits, some conservative legislators in Texas and other states explore the “nuclear option” – quitting the state-federal health program for the poor.
