Debt Deal May Hit Medicare: Services may be cut & Eligibility age may be raised.

[Karmadillo]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903341404576484042516387516.html

Debt Deal May Hit Medicare

By JANET ADAMY

Medicare beneficiaries escaped direct cuts in Washington's debt deal, but the agreement could eventually hit seniors and disabled Americans who rely on the program for medical coverage.

Health-industry lobbyists and policy experts say Sunday's deal between the White House and congressional leaders effectively opens the door to another round of talks in which lawmakers are likely to weigh increasing the Medicare eligibility age and setting up a means test that might require wealthier people to pay more for the program.

A provision in the deal that allows for payment cuts to health-care providers who treat Medicare recipients could lead hospitals to cut services, industry officials said.

Health-care stocks took a broad hit Monday over concerns about the implications of the debt deal. Investors are "waking up to the fact" that health-care spending "will be in the crosshairs" as Congress looks for more cuts, ISI Group analyst Joe Ruggieri wrote in a research note.

more...

[William769]

1. Anyone who believe that entitlement programs are safe because of this deal

Are truly delusional.

[Myrina]

2. Shocked, SHOCKED I tell you!!

All of the apologists SWORE that "the Big 3" were safe!! Reid said so, POTUS said so!

Oh wait, no Reid & POTUS didn't. Joke's on us. AGAIN.


:puke: :mad: :spank: :puke: :mad: :spank:

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. But the wars will continue, and expand. Whew....that's a relief.

:sarcasm:

[RegieRocker]

4. That can't be! So many others have said so.