The Patriot Post® · House's Bipartisan Medicare Fix Is a Fair Start

If Congress approves the Boehner/Pelosi plan to fix Medicare’s way to pay its doctors this week, it must keep in mind that the bill is only a temporary fix. The Congressional Budget Office crunched the numbers and found not only will the plan add $210 billion in spending, but also the long-term effects worsen after 10 years. The Daily Signal reports, “The CBO found that the plan would increase the deficit by $141 billion over the next 10 years – confirming concerns some opponents have about the plan. According to the CBO, just one-third, or $73 billion, of the plan would be offset.” From 2025 to 2035, the costs of the reformed Medicare program would increase. In 20 years, the CBO estimates the program would add a half trillion dollars to the deficit. House Speaker John Boehner said the plan “bends the cost curve,” and saves Americans money. And yes, the bill is imperfect, something Congress will have to revisit in the future. But considering how Congress has been operating lately, with continuing resolutions and temporary measures, a 10-year fix is an improvement. More…