Centrist senators raised concerns about a major new element of the (senate) legislation, ... (that to) expand Medicare to cover some people ages 55 to 64.
Senator Olympia J. Snowe, Republican of Maine, said Democrats were moving to expand Medicare “without really understanding the ramifications ... I just don’t think it’s a policy we should embrace.”
This comment from US Senator George LeMieux (R-FL), 'It's not health care reform if the doctor is not in' begs that most important question yet to be considered.
No CLASS?
ReplyDeleteEmbedded in sweeping health legislation passed by the House and being debated on the Senate floor is a major new federal insurance program for long-term care - called CLASS Act (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act)
It is meant for people with severe disabilities who want to live in the community, though the benefits could also be used to help pay for nursing home care or assisted living.
premiums would be $123 a month for benefits expected to average $75 a day, or about $27,000 a year.
Don't new yorkers just 'spend down' , then go on medicaid? long term care is one-half of our medicaid budget. would new yorkers pay a premium? how is this helping the uninsured?
Two items:
ReplyDeleteHow many Senators want this bill to pass?
Obama summons Senate Dems to the White House Tuesday.