News
National Journal | MedPac Report Has Something to Irritate Everyone
The independent board assigned to advise Congress on the Medicare program released proposed changes to the politically popular entitlement program that will likely attract the ire of hospital, doctor, and specialty groups alike.
National Journal | Docs Demand Permanent Medicare Pay Fix In Debt Talks
Physician groups are circulating a strongly worded letter demanding Congress address the perennial problem of how much doctors are paid under Medicare in ongoing negotiations over raising the government’s debt ceiling.
WSJ | Negotiators Consider Medicaid Cutbacks
The Medicaid program for the poor is facing significant cuts in an emerging bipartisan budget deal as Republicans seek to shrink entitlements and Democrats protect other priorities.
Econ Comments
WSJ | The ObamaCare Bad News Continues
Projected costs escalate and tens of millions will lose their current coverage.
Minyanville | Why Cost Containment in Health Care Is Impossible
The government can't get cost control without goring the oxes of patients, physicians, pharmaceutical companies, insurers, device manufacturers and hospitals.
Blogs
Cato @ Liberty | ObamaCare’s Main Coverage Vehicle Makes Kids Wait for Care
Half of ObamaCare‘s projected coverage gains (16 million out of 32 million U.S. residents) comes from expanding the Medicaid program.
Heritage Foundation | Ezra Klein’s F on Medicare Part D
At the time of its enactment in 2003, the Medicare drug benefit—known as Medicare Part D—had many critics. Some said the program, which is built on consumer choice and vigorous competition among private plan options, wouldn’t work because private plans would decline to participate.
Atlantic: Megan Mcardle | Most Illinois Specialists Won't Take Medicaid Patients
Proponents of health care reform are gnashing their teeth, while opponents grimly say "I told you so", at the news of a study from Illinois showing that children in Medicaid/SCHIP have difficulty getting specialists to treat them:
