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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Florida governor election results: Republican Rick Scott prevails in tight race

Democrat Alex Sink concedes even before the full Florida governor election results are known. Rick Scott, who spent nearly $75 million of his own money, benefited from a rising GOP tide.
Sharron Angle fails to topple Nevada Sen. Harry Reid

Sharron Angle, a tea party favorite, couldn't ride the Republican wave that swept across the nation. Democrat Sen. Harry Reid survived for a fifth term. Angle hints her political ambitions may not be over.
Death tax showdown at the OK Corral

Ranchers want to die before year end to avoid the estate tax, claims Rep. Lummis. Whether or not the story is true, the underpinnings are myths: the family ranch and a looming 'death tax.'
Top 10 mistakes of Election 2010

We all make mistakes. But in the world of politics, it’s an art form. Sometimes they’re game-changers, or at least make the possibility of catching the front-runner more difficult. Some are Hail Mary passes gone terribly wrong. Not everyone will agree that everything here was a mistake. So without further ado, here’s our list of favorites from Election 2010, in no particular order, and focused on mistakes that could affect the outcome of a race. They’re mostly from Senate and governors’ races. We’re sure House candidates made plenty of mistakes, too, but most didn’t get national news coverage.
The real up-and-coming force driving Election 2010? Seniors.

Seniors have always been among America's most committed voters. But starting in Election 2010, and continuing for two decades, their political power is expected to reach new heights.
Humana profit tops expectations, sees growth ahead

Humana earned $2.32 per share in its latest quarter, far above the $1.66 analysts had expected.
Election 2010 all about tea party? It's more: It's year of the outsider.

The tea party has energized Republicans, even if it also complicates life for the GOP after Nov. 2. But the movement is actually part of a larger Election 2010 trend -- one that features the most diverse GOP field in history.
'Obamacare' tackles health care costs. Will Congress?

The president's health care reform plan includes tools to restrain rising health-care costs, but they may not survive future political battles.
Alex Sink cheats in Florida debate. Will it matter?

During a commercial break in a debate with Florida gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott Monday night, Democrat Alex Sink received a text message from an aide. The 'foul' may be a touchstone for some voters.
Gubernatorial hopefuls Rick Scott and Alex Sink hurl mud in last debate

Florida gubernatorial hopefuls Rick Scott and Alex Sink spent most of their Monday night debate hurling insults at one another.
Rand Paul slams Obama's health care overhaul and Wall Street regulation

In a debate with opponent Jack Conway, Senate candidate Rand Paul blasted Obama's overhaul of health care and Wall Street regulation.
Meg Whitman lags behind Jerry Brown in Calif. governor race

Meg Whitman trails Jerry Brown in a new poll of likely California voters. The episode involving her illegal Mexican housekeeper is hurting her, especially among Latino voters.
US agents make arrests in massive Medicare fraud case in Florida

Federal strike force targets two South Florida companies that allegedly netted $83 million from Medicare fraud. Case is called the largest fraudulent billing scheme ever prosecuted by the strike force.
Social Security reform: It ain’t gonna be easy

Are entitlements in trouble? Yes, say 77 percent. Should we raise taxes to pay for them? No, say 56 percent. Should we trim benefits? No, say 66 percent. So how are we gonna fix this?
Kate Zernike on "Boiling Mad: Inside Tea Party America"

Journalist Kate Zernike says that many readers of "Boiling Mad" are surprised to discover that the tea partyers sound and look a lot like their neighbors.
Like France, will US soon move to boost retirement age?

The prospect of a higher official retirement age infuriates many French. Boosting the age limit in the US is one way to help make Social Security solvent, many economists say. Would Americans be just as mad?
The Monitor's View: British budget cuts: two big lessons for America

Only time will show whether severe budget cuts in Britain are too deep for that fragile economy to sustain. Even so, the political will to cut spending and the readiness to sacrifice sacred cows stand out as examples for America.
Politicians pledge and vow their way to financial ruin

A near-majority of incumbents and candidates have sworn, vowed, or pledged either that they won't raise taxes or that they won't reduce Social Security or Medicare. Sometimes both.
Rand Paul, Jack Conway Senate race turns bitter over religious accusations

Rand Paul demanded an apology during a nationally televised debate Sunday night, denouncing the commercial as false and calling himself a 'pro-life Christian.'
America's Job No. 1: A better employment rate

A selection of solutions for a better employment rate: From cutting taxes to raising taxes, job sharing to job training.
Nine 'tea party' candidates who stand a good chance of winning

Here’s something both Democrats and the GOP establishment in Washington are going to have to come to terms with: Tea party candidates will win some elections this fall. The only question is, how many? There is already a tea party caucus in Congress, but how much bigger of a room is it going to need to hold its meetings?
Q&A with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius

At a Sept. 30 Monitor breakfast, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius discussed progress in implementing the Affordable Care Act, misinformation about health-care reform, and the dangers of anonymous campaign cash.
Don't believe the hype: Obama's not Robin Hood

Yes, income inequality is huge (and growing). Yes, Obama wants to let tax cuts for the wealthy expire. But it won't close the income gap or help the poor.
Medicare fraud: Dozens charged in record scam

Medicare fraud operation, netting $163 million, was run by Armenian gangsters, federal prosecutors allege.
Lincoln, Boozman face off in 2nd Arkansas Senate debate

Incumbent Democratic Senator Blanche Lincoln said Wednesday she's not an automatic vote for the Democratic leadership in Washington, while GOP challenger Rep. John Boozman tried to link her to the President and his policies.