Rep. Baron Hill stayed his position Monday that Medicare coverage would not be damaged by health care reform, despite the release of a study suggesting hospitals might quit accepting the government plan’s patients.
The analysis — performed by Richard S. Foster of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services — was requested by House Republicans and released Saturday.
The debate surrounds where the $500 billion Medicare spending cut proposed in the House bill would come from. The spending reductions in the package could make it too expensive for health providers to take on Medicare patients, the study states.
Proponents of the bill tout ridding Medicare of waste and fraud will account for the $500 billions cut that will help fund the health care reform bill passed by the house that has yet to be weighed by the Senate.
Hill released a statement Friday accusing groups of spreading false statements about the legislation’s impact on Medicare. Through spokeswoman Katie Moreau, Hill maintained Monday the plan will strengthen Medicare benefits, citing the endorsement by AARP and the American Medical Association.
Moreau said the measure protects Medicare patients by closing the “doughnut hole” for prescription drug reimbursement, ensuring free preventative care, eliminating copayments and improving low-income subsidy programs.
“In addition, House Resolution 3962 would extend the solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund by five years, to help ensure Medicare can cover every American as they get older,” Moreau said.
She referred to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services study as being “just one report,” though Republicans see it otherwise.
One source of controversy created by the study was the $289 billion in increased health care costs it suggested the system would incur if the reform passes the Senate.
“The only one being disingenuous here is Baron Hill,” said Tom Erickson, spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee. “Not only could this bill jeopardize Medicare patients’ access to health care, but it will actually increase the cost of health care by nearly $300 billion over the next 10 years.”
Democrats excuse the expense by saying the reform would cover about 10 percent more of the country’s population with an increase of 1.3 percent of national health costs.
Clark County
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Discussion
Study: Health care reform could threaten Medicare coverage
Rep. Hill maintains bill would strengthen system
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Appeals court hears Covered Bridge case
The Indiana Court of Appeals heard the respective oral arguments on the town of Sellersburg’s effort to annex the Covered Bridge Subdivision and the Willows on Wednesday. Covered Bridge appealed the trial court’s ruling that the town’s annexation preceded the subdivision’s effort to incorporate into an independent town and that, in exchange for sewer service, the residents would agree to not remonstrate against the annexation attempt.
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Redistricting on tap again for Jeffersonville
Though they just did so last year, it’s already time for the Jeffersonville City Council to start thinking about redistricting again.
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JEFF Fest set for June 9
The Jeffersonville Entire Family Fun Festival, better known as JEFF Fest, will
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be held from 11 a.m.. to 4 p.m. June 9 in Jeffersonville’s Preservation Park, 150 W. Market St. -
Charlestown encourages Realtors and developers to help it grow
he city hosted a showcase for about 200 developers and Realtors at Charlestown High School on Tuesday. The purpose of the showcase was to pitch the city as a place that is expected to prosper, especially in light of the continued development at River Ridge Commerce Center.
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Jeffersonville mayor vetoes two council acts
“It’s a meaningless resolution. It carries no weight. I think it’s political posturing and I’d as soon not be a part of it,” Moore said. “I will not be brought into a political discussion that’s already been decided.”
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Bridges project specifics emerging
Valentine outlined that incentives will be part of Kentucky’s contract with the winning bidder.
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He explained that once construction begins, the expected cost of construction per day will total about $80,000 and the contractor can earn incentives for finishing early and penalties for finishing late. A completion date is set for June 30, 2018. - News and Tribune briefs for May 23, 2012
- May 22, 2012
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Gregg picks Simpson for Dems ticket
Gregg got his biggest applause from the crowd Tuesday when he played up their joint support for women’s access to health care, which has become a national talking point for Democrats.
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TARC OKs rate increases
Contrary to its monetary situation, the amount of people riding the public transit system has increased about 10 percent, Barker said.
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But the transportation service had not raised its fares, aside from express routes, in four years. -
Miss Clark County 2012 entrants sought
The contest is based on interview, evening gown and professional wear competition. Any Clark County young woman between the ages of 16 to 21 is eligible to participate.
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Appeals court hears Covered Bridge case
