Joe Lieberman And Tom Coburn Introduce Bill To Cut $600 Billion From Medicare, Raise Eligibility Age

Via The Oklahoman: The Coburn/Lieberman plan would reduce “Medicare spending by $600 billion over 10 years through premium increases, gradually raising the eligibility age and other changes.” The changes include: 1) increasing monthly premiums for enrollees in Medicare Part B by 2 percent a year for five years, 2) individuals making more than $150,000 a year and couples making more than $300,000 a year would have to pay the full Part B premiums, 3) one deductible for both Medicare Part A, which covers hospitalization, and Part B, which covers doctors’ visits, 4) increase the age for Medicare eligibility from 65 to 67 by 2025, 6) patch up the sustainable growth rate to eliminate payment cuts to doctors for three years. The proposal is very similar to the bad ideas Lieberman laid out earlier this month.