Topic: Medicare

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5 steps to bipartisan cuts in Medicare – and the deficit

Medicare is the single greatest contributor to long-term deficits. If Democrats and Republicans cooperate on waste-cutting ideas – many of which are backed by President Obama – both parties stand to gain. Here are five ways Congress should act.
If not 'sequester,' then what? Five ideas from left and right.

Few in Washington believe that "the sequester,” $85 billion in automatic spending cuts set to hit the federal budget as of March 1, is a good idea. But what's the alternative? Here are five proposals, from the right, the center, and the left, to replace the sequester. Which do you like?
Sequester 101: What happens if $85 billion in cuts hit on March 1

The sequester is a complex concept with a tortuous history. Here are the basics on the automatic spending reductions set to kick in March 1.
Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:
How much do you know about US entitlement programs? Take our quiz.

The push to reform entitlement programs is at the heart of debates about the future of the US budget. They include Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment benefits, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (welfare).

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Opinion: Health care and illegal immigrants in America: why Mexico is the key

Urging Mexico to strive for a better health care system could relieve the burden on US taxpayers.
Senate Democrats introduce $849 billion healthcare reform bill

Majority leader Harry Reid unveiled the Senate's healthcare reform bill Wednesday. Now Reid must cobble together 60 senators to avoid a Republican filibuster.
ECONOMIC SCENE: Social Security pensioners deserve a $250 ‘raise’

With no COLA adjustment this year, the Obama administration is right to give seniors a $250 boost.
Opinion: Health cooperatives: a fast lane to nationalized health care
Post-Depression first: Americans get more money from government than they give back

For the first time since the 1930s, households are paying less in personal taxes than state and federal governments are paying out through transfer programs like Social Security.
US House of Representatives votes to approve healthcare reform

The House voted 220 to 215 in favor of healthcare reform. But Saturday night’s vote also signals tough negotiations ahead in the next phases of the legislation.
Healthcare reform: Obama cut private deals with likely foes

President Obama struck agreements with insurers, doctors, drug companies, and hospitals to keep them from turning against healthcare reform. What are they?
Healthcare reform effort grinds slowly in the House

Healthcare reform vote Saturday may be delayed as Democratic leaders work to make sure they have the necessary 218 votes - including more conservative members of their own party.
AARP, AMA give House healthcare bill an 11th-hour boost

The AARP and AMA endorsed the House healthcare bill Thursday. But there are caveats, and some Democrats remain concerned about cost and abortion provisions.
One year after his election, what has Obama achieved?

Obama got off to a quick start. But almost one year after winning the presidency, his deeds are at risk of paling next to his aspirations.
ECONOMIC SCENE: On national debt, worries are bipartisan

The national debt is worrying to conservatives and liberals alike. The question? What to do about it.
No 'robust' public option in House healthcare reform bill

Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled the House's healthcare reform bill Thursday. She had to compromise with conservative Democrats on the public option in order to win their votes.
Senate Democrats join Republicans in rejecting Medicare 'doc fix'

Thirteen Senate Democrats joined Republicans in rejecting a $245 billion 'doc fix’ to prevent cuts in payments to Medicare doctors. Majority leader Harry Reid said the Senate will address the issue again after health reform.
Who will rein in healthcare costs? Don't look to Congress.

The issue of controlling healthcare costs is so contentious that Congress may opt for a bill that punts much of the task to an independent commission.
$When D.C. does math, be very skeptical$

When D.C. does math, be very skeptical

Be wary of claims about the oodles of money that will be saved or lost by this or that initiative.
Will healthcare reform mean cuts in Medicare for seniors?

Lawmakers are looking for savings in Medicare. But Congress has shown little heart for that, especially given the powerful seniors lobby.
Do seniors on Social Security deserve that raise next year?

Elected officials seem eager to raise Social Security payments for seniors, even though inflation has been flat. It could lead to larger costs in the future, some analysts warn.
Opinion: Racist undertones of the 'socialist' epithet

With the Nobel Peace Prize, President Obama joins the company of fellow laureates Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. But he already shares with them the more dubious distinction of being assailed as a socialist.
Healthcare reform has turned into a roller derby, AARP says
Olympia Snowe gives healthcare reform its first Republican vote

The Senate Finance Committee passed its healthcare bill Tuesday along party lines – with the exception of Olympia Snowe's vote. But her comments suggest that the bill will be difficult to pass on the Senate floor.
The Monitor's View: Senate Finance Committee bill's soft spot: health care insurance mandate

Americans must be aware of how mandates might impinge on their choices – and how vulnerable Obama's plan might be to court challenge.
New healthcare bill won't hurt deficit. What about your wallet?

The CBO says the Senate Finance bill will create a $81 billion surplus over 10 years. But critics say its fees, taxes, and mandates will hit Americans’ pocketbooks hard.
The Monitor's View: Health care costs that count in the Senate Finance bill

Yes, the plan might reduce the deficit. But it restricts a proposed commission that could trim trillions from a much bigger problem - unmet Medicare obligations.
Five Republicans that want the GOP to back healthcare reform

President Obama has pressed Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and four other prominent Republicans to speak out in favor of healthcare reform. If they sway one GOP senator, the effort will have been worth it.
What would a Republican healthcare bill look like?

Democrats have chided Republicans for not offering their own healthcare ideas. But GOP attempts to turn the debate toward more incentives and fewer mandates have been rebuffed.