GOP: Charge wealthy more for Medicare to cover payroll tax extension

LA Times ^ | 11/30/2011 | Lisa Mascaro

[tobyhill]

As the Senate prepares to vote on extending President Obama’s payroll tax holiday, the GOP has offered an alternative proposal that would not tax millionaires to pay for it, but instead require those earning beyond $1 million to pay full price for Medicare.

Congressional Republicans have opposed the Democratic approach of paying for the tax holiday by imposing a surtax on millionaires. An expected Senate vote Thursday is likely to be blocked by a GOP-led filibuster. Failure to extend the payroll tax holiday by year’s end would hit workers with an average $1,000 tax hike on Jan. 1, a prospect both parties want to avoid.

The Senate Republican plan would instead pay for the costs by making spending cuts elsewhere in the federal budget and requiring the rich to do without government aid.

[moovova]

“Read my lips.”

[SatinDoll]

I like this idea.

[Notary Sojac]

If we don’t drastically cut Medicare expenses, we have to raise Medicare taxes. Most self styled fiscal conservatives completely wimp out at this reality.

[tobyhill]

I'm kind of mixed on this. It makes an “entitlement” paid for by those that can but it can also be considered a tax increase.

[Reagan69]

Ah, punishing the successful again. Great.

[Reagan69]

Ah, punishing the successful again. Great.

[upchuck]

...but instead require those earning beyond $1 million to pay full price for Medicare.

How does Medicare cost if you're paying full price? That's not a rhetorical question.

[silverleaf]

I think the rich should also pay more for car insurance so mine is cheaper.

Oh and the rich should pay full cost tuition, not state resident rates. So my tuition costs don't go up.

And they should pay full property tax, no homestead exemptions, to keep my property taxes low.

The people who drive fancy cars should pay more tolls, too, to keep the rates down for those of us driving clunkers.

Am I missing anything? There must be some more loose change in the sofa....

[EGPWS]

...the GOP has offered an alternative proposal that would not tax millionaires to pay for it, but instead require those earning beyond $1 million to pay full price for Medicare.

What if it's cheaper to opt out and pay cash for ones own medical concerns?

Or does Vladimir Lenin take offense to such an idea?

[goodnesswins]

I’m not wealthy, BUT, seeing how I’m going to be forced onto “medicare” in about 5-6 years.....NOOOOOOOOO....we would like to choose our own MEDICAL plans....OKAY? Those of you who want the gov’t plan...go right ahead.....(PS there won’t be many docs taking medicare patients if things continue on as they are.)

[EGPWS]

As the Senate prepares to vote on extending President Obama’s payroll tax holiday, the GOP has offered an alternative proposal that would not tax millionaires to pay for it, but instead require those earning beyond $1 million to pay full price for Medicare.

I know I'm at least becoming an annoyance by this constant reminder however, why oh why is cutting spending ALWAYS left out of the equation?

[tobyhill]

We should all just pay for our own healthcare but then I want all the taxes me and my wife paid in for the “guarantee”.

[EGPWS]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP9_kkzfN-w

[tobyhill]

The Gubermint doesn't know how to stop spending because they are hooked on OPM (Other People's Money).

[snowstorm12]

payroll tax cut seems like a tax increase on the rich to fund others peoples SS and medicare, not a tax cut.

[stylin19a]

making 75k or less is approx. a $400 payroll tax cut. how does that = 1000 tax increase if it expires ?

[kenavi]

Until I read your post, I didn’t realize that auto and home repairs are discounted under a government program as are medical charges to Medicare enrollees.

[cableguymn]

Zero wants his cut? ok.. how bout we privatize part of SS so younger people have a chance. I’m close to 40 and highly doubt I’ll see a penny from SS.

instead the idiot R’s just want to tax someone more.

[nkycincinnatikid]

Surely every person rich or poor should wecome the opportunity any price to put their life at the discretion of medicade DEATH PANELS.