12.14.09
Medicare Buy-In Proposal Faces Challenges
Health reform proponents are considering an option to allow seniors aged 55 to 64 to buy-in to Medicare, but the measure is being scrutinized by several key senators.
Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), expressed his concerns of growing Medicare’s enrollment. Senator Bob nelson (D-Neb.) is worried that the option could be the first step toward an entirely government-run healthcare system. Also, Senator Olympia Snowe (D-Maine), suggested that an already-serious problem could be made worse by forcing providers to accept more low payments from Medicare.
The American Hospital Association and the American Medical Association also oppose the measure, citing Medicare’s low reimbursement rates in comparison to commercial providers. Providers of rural communities are especially concerned about the prospect of facing lower reimubrsement rates.
Read this Politico article for additional information.
