Medicare providers won't like this deal

[ugonow]

"Very late on Saturday, multiple reports sketched out the framework of a debt limit compromise President Obama has struck with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

As noted here, the issue under contention was the design of a so-called "trigger," -- a penalty written into the bill meant to encourage Congress to pass further bipartisan deficit reduction legislation, authored by a new Special Committee, later this year. Here's what they've reportedly come up with, pending approval from Congressional Democrats and Republicans.

From ABC News, the key detail: "The special committee must make recommendations by late November (before Congress' Thanksgiving recess). If Congress does not approve those cuts by December 23, automatic across-the-board cuts go into effect, including cuts to Defense and Medicare. This 'trigger' is designed to force action on the deficit reduction committee's recommendations by making the alternative painful to both Democrats and Republicans."

The Medicare cuts would supposedly fall on Medicare providers, not beneficiaries. The trigger would also include a vote on a Balanced Budget Amendment -- but no requirement that it be sent off to the states.

One source briefed on the negotiations confirms that the ABC story is correct "on the key points." A similar piece in National Journal suggests the Special Committee would not be allowed to reduce the deficit by raising new net tax revenue. The source disputes that notion, as does the ABC report.

On CNN's State Of The Union, McConnell sought to reassure conservatives that the deal includes no tax increases -- though did not specifically address the scope of the Special Committee. "There are no tax increases in this bill," he said. "There will be no tax increases in this proposal." Emphasis added.

tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/07/dems-gop-float-eye-popping-debt-limit-compromise.php

[Deleted]

Every time a Medicare provider payment cut has been approved it's been repealed or overrided. It's the same for the automatic triggers. That's why the second estimate by the Medicare/Medicaid trustees board projects much worse deficits than the official report. The official report relies on provider cuts that historically have never take place.

[handyman2]

Tough Times it sounds like they are trying to force medicare patients to buy supplemental insurance to cover the short fall.

[ugonow]

That won't help them much if the majority of providers quit accepting medicare. Sounds to me like a way to phase out the program quicker than Ryans plan.

[zibazinski]

I don't know of any doctors that are taking new patients with Medicare. They will accept you if you have been their patient and age into it but brand new off the street, no way. The reimbursement is a joke and the paperwork is horrendous.

[floridayankee]

Aug 1, 2011 14:46:44 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

I don't know of any doctors that are taking new patients with Medicare. They will accept you if you have been their patient and age into it but brand new off the street, no way. The reimbursement is a joke and the paperwork is horrendous.

The joys of government care...The speed and efficiency of the DMV coupled with the compassion of the IRS.