Stories like this are making the collective American pull our hair out. Doctor compensation under Medicare is going to be cut 20% unless the reduction is delayed. Of course, the pay cut must be prevented—both out of fairness to doctors and to keep them from refusing to take Medicare patients.
But such increases in budget are supposed to be paid for. So, what “deal” do Senators agree to in order to “pay” for the pay cut delay? From the story:
The $15 billion cost of the one-year pay fix for doctors treating Medicare and military Tricare patients will be paid for by changing a provision on recouping excess subsidy payments in the healthcare legislation enacted this year. The government will be able to recover more excess insurance subsidy payments to individuals than provided under the existing law. The change will save $19 billion over the next 10 years, according to congressional estimates.
So, let me get this straight: Republicans have agreed to pay for the bill by making adjustments to a law they have vowed to repeal!
Either the Republicans don’t intend to revoke Obamacare—in which case the scorched earth from their voters won’t leave any of them standing—or more likely, this is just another in the infinite number of budget gimmicks that kick tough calls down the road. This is irresponsible legislating, but the cynicism of the Republicans in agreeing to use future adjustments in a law they say they want to disappear is beyond belief. Color me disgusted.
