News - National
Bill would cause increase in Medicare premiums
Posted: Nov 18, 2009 7:20 AM by Associated Press
Updated: Nov 18, 2009 7:20 AM
The House is scheduled to vote Thursday on a bill that could have an impact on seniors enrolled in Medicare. The measure would raise fees for doctors treating Medicare patients. It's designed to head off a 21-percent cut in physician fees scheduled for Jan. 1.
According to an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office, seniors would pay $49 billion in higher premiums over the next decade as a result of the legislation. The increase is a result of a federal law requiring premiums to pay one-quarter of the cost of Medicare services for doctors and other outpatient services.
A spokesman for Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the measure would "tackle seniors' No. 1 concern: that they can keep their doctors." Brendan Daly says taken together with the health insurance reform bill passed by the House earlier this month, "it's a good deal for seniors."
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