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How health care overhaul could change Medicare
AP ^ | CARLA K. JOHNSON

Posted on 10/02/2009 11:49:39 AM PDT by Rick_Michael

"It's virtually impossible to save $500 billion and not do any cutting of benefits."

The congressional plans for health care overhaul could mean a major restructuring of Medicare. Dozens of changes are being proposed in hopes of transforming the program from one that rewards doctors for each procedure they do into one that improves people's health and keeps them out of the hospital.

The changes should save money. What many seniors, including Grill, want to know is this: Can lawmakers pull this off without cutting benefits?

(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: healthcare
This would be the OTHER reason why Obama will not be able to pass things as they are. The hot potato we call reducing government benefits.

I'm sure this will apply to all of us as time goes by--if passed. We'll be told we must have this sort of coverage and after a while attrition is the name of the game.

1 posted on 10/02/2009 11:49:39 AM PDT by Rick_Michael
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To: Rick_Michael

The only way to restructure Medicare is to Abolish Medicare.


2 posted on 10/02/2009 11:50:49 AM PDT by trumandogz (The Democrats are driving us to Socialism at 100 MPH -The GOP is driving us to Socialism at 97.5 MPH)
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To: Rick_Michael

Remove Medicare and Medicade from the mix and you’ll see exactly what is going on. Obama wants it on the backs of the elderly.


3 posted on 10/02/2009 11:54:32 AM PDT by RC2
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To: Rick_Michael

Put all us seniors on the same plan the Pres and Congresscritters have. They’ll be real happy to share with us, I’m sure.


4 posted on 10/02/2009 11:59:08 AM PDT by NaughtiusMaximus (Hey, O'Riley! I'd rather be a CRACKER than a CASPAR.)
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To: trumandogz

The only problem with that is people actually paid into it, and like a savings account they deserve that money back at least.

Savings is an issue for future healthcare costs and is rarely addressed. The only way to eliminate medicare is to create tax-free savings for medical costs in people’s working days.

And while we have HSA, they’re not as significant as they ought to be. I’m guessing that’s true, because most people aren’t ready for the all out conversion. We have a rude awakening coming.


5 posted on 10/02/2009 12:02:05 PM PDT by Rick_Michael (Have no fear "President Government" is here)
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To: Rick_Michael
The only problem with that is people actually paid into it, and like a savings account they deserve that money back at least.

Yes, I agree and the solution is simple.

For those who under 65 and not on Medicare, they will have all the money they paid into Medicare refunded when they reach 65.

For those who are currently on Medicare, the feds should refund all of the money they paid into Medicare, minus the amount of money that Medicare has expended on each person.

Suppose a person who is now 70, paid a total of $15,000 into Medicare and Medicare has paid out $5,000 for their care, they will receive a check for $10,000.

And if a similar person who paid in $15,000 but has had Medicare spend $20,000 on their care, they would receive no money back.

6 posted on 10/02/2009 12:11:01 PM PDT by trumandogz (The Democrats are driving us to Socialism at 100 MPH -The GOP is driving us to Socialism at 97.5 MPH)
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To: trumandogz
*** The only way to restructure Medicare is to Abolish Medicare. ***

If you knew what Medicare actually pays Doctors for their services you may sing a different tune (or you may not). Personally, I'd rather be a Union Plumber.

I had a nice chat with my Dr during my last 'visit'. I can't say more, I'm sworn to secrecy.

7 posted on 10/02/2009 12:15:08 PM PDT by Condor51 (The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits)
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To: Condor51

Medicare is Socialized Medicine, and I am opposed to Socialized Medicine.


8 posted on 10/02/2009 12:22:19 PM PDT by trumandogz (The Democrats are driving us to Socialism at 100 MPH -The GOP is driving us to Socialism at 97.5 MPH)
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To: socialismisinsidious


Socialized Medicine aka Universal Health Care daily digest PING LIST

FReepmail me if you want to be added to or removed from this daily digest ping list (one ping per day of links to pertinent articles).




9 posted on 10/02/2009 7:45:41 PM PDT by socialismisinsidious ( The socialist income tax system turns US citizens into beggars or quitters!)
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