Biggest Medicare hike draws Kerry's criticism

International Herald Tribune ^ | Monday, September 6, 2004 | staff

[ETERNAL WARMING]

Biggest Medicare hike draws Kerry's criticism NYT Monday, September 6, 2004 WASHINGTON One day after President George W. Bush touted his efforts to help the elderly cope with increased medical expenses, U.S. officials announced the largest premium increase in the Medicare program's history, raising the monthly expense $11.60, to $78.20. The increase of 17 percent largely results from higher payments to doctors and reflects rising medical expenses generally, officials said. It has nothing to do with a program that will start in 2006 to offer prescription drugs, for which beneficiaries must pay a separate premium. Senator John Kerry's campaign responded to the announcement Friday with a statement that read: "After doing nothing about the record increases in the cost of health care over the last four years, George Bush is presiding over a Medicare system that is socking seniors with the largest premium hike in the program's 40-year history."

[ETERNAL WARMING]

Just like the government..with one hand they give and with the other they take away. This increase coupled with the recent increase in the price of drugs which virtually wiped out any savings, the only winner is the Drug Companies getting a huge Corporate Welfare paycheck.

[shrinkermd]

The increase is $11.60 and my part b premium is $78.20. All you young people should try to get this coverage on the open market. No doubt, your premium will range to $400 a month if you duplicate Medicare Coverage. Also, remember that shortly those that need it will have their prescriptions either subsidized or paid for. This is a bargain and any old geezer like me who can't see it, must be greedy and disinterested in the welfare of the younger generations.

[FairOpinion]

People need to understand they can't get something for nothing.

[comebacknewt]

This issue will score some points for the RATs I'm afraid. Not that they would do any better, but the incumbants get the blame when the price of anything goes up.

[FairOpinion]

I am tired of the media constantly associating "senior" with "poor, totally poverty stricken". Most seniors could well afford paying a few dollars more for medical care and more benefits.

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"SENIORS" NOW CONTROL 79% OF AMERICA'S FINANCIAL ASSETS


On average, they have over $24,000 in disposable income, making them the most affluent consumer group in the land.

What do they spend their money on?

* They buy 43% of all new cars.
* 60% purchase home remodeling products & services
* Women over 50 spend $21 billion on clothes annually
* They dine out 4-5 times per week
* They account for over 79% of all leisure travel spending


http://www.prweb.com/releases/2001/10/prweb29064.htm
Oct. 31, 2001 ( but I doubt much as changed)


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And those seniors, who are indeed "poor" get Medicaid and State help, so they don't have to pay for their Medicare premium.

[rodguy911]

On the Sunday morning talk show thread this morning we talked about an increase in ss taxes that was previously mandated by congress and was brought about by bush, is this the one?

[NeoCaveman]

11.60 a month more, my gen-x heart bleeds.

[Knute]

The increase is 40 cents a day. I wonder what the increase for malpractice insurance is for the doctors??
Reform the predatory lawyers!

[Always Right]

Senator John Kerry's campaign responded to the announcement Friday with a statement that read: "After doing nothing about the record increases in the cost of health care over the last four years, George Bush is presiding over a Medicare system that is socking seniors with the largest premium hike in the program's 40-year history."

I am sick of the media giving this ass a free pass. Kerry has been a Senator for nearly 20 YEARS, and has done NOTHING but sat on his behind. Kerry isn't even responsible enough to attend critical Senate Intelligence meetings. Now Kerry bitches about problems as if he is some kind of outsider.

[MEG33]

Really

[FairOpinion]

Clinton signed the bill to tax Social Security.

I think (but I am not sure) Kerry voted FOR that one.

[MEG33]

To: FairOpinion
The increase is 40 cents a day. I wonder what the increase for malpractice insurance is for the doctors??
Reform the predatory lawyers!



8 posted on 09/05/2004 7:18:28 PM CDT by Knute

Worth repeating

[rodguy911]

I'm pretty sure this increase is mandated by congress and Bush had nothing to do with it.

[ETERNAL WARMING]

THat's the point. This was unnecessary. Most are ok. It would have been so much cheaper to give prescription drug coverage to the needy only. What was he thinking?

Kerry will gain some mileage with this. The Seniors didn't want it. Like I said...the only winner is the Drug Companies.

[Fast1]

So !! Blame Scumbags like Edwards for the increase in Malpractice coverage that is reflected in the higher premiums.

[ETERNAL WARMING]

Your GenX heart isn't trying to live on $500 a month. Many Seniors are.

[NeoCaveman]

Your GenX heart isn't trying to live on $500 a month. Many Seniors are.

Well if I haven't saved anything after 40+ years in the workforce maybe I'll just have to keep working.

[HoundsTooth_BP]

Some old people like my folks saved all they could, but they never made much money. The wages were a few dollars a week at best. There were plenty of taxes and expenses in those days, too. So, even if they have $100k today, that does not general much income.