Republicans: Let's Privatize Medicare!

[babylonsister]

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/04/republicans-lets-privatize-medicare.php

Republicans: Let's Privatize Medicare!
By Brian Beutler - April 1, 2009, 1:27PM


One of the fun little tidbits in the Republican Budget roll out today is here:

The substitute gradually converts the current Medicare program into one in which Medicare beneficiaries choose the most affordable coverage that best suits their individual needs. For individuals 55 or older, Medicare will not be changed (other than income-relating the prescription drug benefit): the budget preserves the existing program for these beneficiaries. To make the program sustainable and dependable, those 54 and younger will enroll in a new Medicare Program with health coverage similar to what is now available to Members of Congress and Federal employees.

This is an idea that's been kicking around in conservative circles for some time, and it's an expensive one. Well, it's expensive unless you're an insurance company, in which case it's extremely lucrative. The goal is to phase out Medicare over time by providing new seniors with the same health insurance options available under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The FEHBP provides relatively high quality care, and most working-aged people would probably prefer its options over the ones provided by their employers. But Medicare provides similar quality of care while containing the costs of administration, and those costs are much higher at private insurance companies.

There's more like this in the GOP's budget report. And, if you're interested in legislative language for some reason, the resolution itself is here.

[FiveGoodMen]

1. It's pretty obvious that the business interests intend to own America outright

and do away with the Constitution altogether.

And it looks like we're going to let them.

By now, 'privatize' should be a word uttered at the risk of one's life.

[babylonsister]

3. Huh? Do you think we're going to adopt the GOP budget? I don't. nt

[FiveGoodMen]

5. Well, I don't think we'll adopt the GOP budget that has no numbers

But Obama and everyone working for him seem to be trying to save business at the expense of everything else.

Can't legalize -- that would be freedom.

Can't have health care -- that would be too expensive, but...

CAN send more troops to Afghanistan for no apparent reasons -- gotta support the Pentagon, ...

CAN give trillions of bucks we don't have to the ones who stole the money we DID have.

McCain would have been a lot worse, but I don't think Obama's good enough.

And worse, no one seems up-in-arms about it.

[rvablue]

2. Keep it coming, GOP! This is really going to help you get that AARP vote! n/t

I'm really starting to love Republicans!

The infighting. The obstructionism. And finally, some new ideas that are really going to piss off one of the most important, if not THE most important, voting bloc.

Thank you, GOP!



ed:title

[Rosa Luxemburg]

4. we could sell all Republicans and we could raise money!

except no one would probably want to buy a republican these days!

[GentryDixon]

6. A good example of Republicans messing with Medicare.

When they let the Pharma's write the legislation regarding the Medicare Part D, they gave away the farm. If I order a non generic med from government contractor MEDCO I must pay $65.00 for a 90 day supply. If I get it from my local pharmacy, I pay only $21.00.

Nice little profit.

[Demeter]

7. I Have a Better Idea: Let's Privatize Republicans!

Get them off the government teat.