Senate Dems May Open Up Medicare To Pacify Progressives

[mucifer]

by
Sam Stein Huffington post


Senate Democrats are discussing the idea of expanding Medicare by lowering the age limit for the government-run insurance program, Democratic sources on the Hill tell the Huffington Post.

The proposal would lower the age of eligibility for Medicare by ten years. Those over 55 and under 65 (the current eligibility age) would be allowed to "buy-in" to the system. They would have to pay a premium for the coverage, which would alleviate the cost burden on the federal government, but would then receive the same benefits as other Medicare patients.

Crucial details -- such as what that premium would be and the timing of the implementation -- were not provided due to the sensitivity and ongoing nature of the deliberations. A high-ranking Democratic source off the Hill confirmed that such discussions are taking place.

"On its own, it's a good idea," Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told reporters Monday afternoon. He added that Democrats are also looking at expanding Medicaid. "We're looking at both ends," he said.

A Medicare buy-in program, one of several compromises being considered, would not be a full replacement for a government-run insurance plan open to people of all ages, a high-ranking Democrat stressed. But it would serve as a complement to an option that has been watered down beyond what progressive senators are willing to accept. snip

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/07/senate-dems-may-open-up-m_n_382728.html

[Rosa Luxemburg]

1. sounds interesting

[DJ13]

2. It would be more cost effective to open it up to everyone

People start using more medical services around 55 years of age.

If they could enroll younger people than 55 it would be cheaper for everyone.

[andym]

3. It's a good idea... I think it would set a great precedent.... nt.

[anonymous171]

4. This would be better than the shit public option, as it could set a precedent for buy-ins

Which in turn could be used to justify Medicare for all.

[mucifer]

5. yeah it's a start . In theory, it should be hard for repubs to vote against medicare.

[leftstreet]

6. Are they going to pacify progressives over the escalation?

No, I didn't think so.

This isn't about 'progressives,' it's about containing a massive populist pushback that could benefit the Republicans.

[Selatius]

7. I think this is a one shot deal. Once it's done, they won't entertain lowering it again.

Because then it begins to defeat the whole purpose of an insurance mandate to purchase private insurance. If they lower it ten years to 55, pretty soon people are going to be asking why it isn't offered to everybody. The question will be hard to ignore if the premiums are cheaper than what one could find under private health insurance policies.

While they may be talking about it, spit balling it, I doubt they will do anything beyond idle talk on it, and I would take it with a grain of salt.

[Dragonfli]

8. Is it true than it will only be an option for 2 million of the 55-64 yr olds?

I heard that somewhere, but do not trust my memory over a proven link or quote.

(I think I heard it on Ed or Countdown)

Does anybody know if I heard incorrectly? Will it be an option for any that wish to buy in over the age of 55 or just some?

Also, what about the rest of us - are we still stuck with a mandate to buy an overpriced product that likely won't cover much or face some fine we can't afford?