So says Senator Tom Coburn, a former obstetrician. Yesterday's Senate debate was heated as proponents and opponents of the health reform proposal clashed over the likely impact of the proposed changes. Describing comments such as Coburn's as merely "scare tactics", Senator Max Baucus argued that the cuts would strengthen the Medicare program's ability to secure lower fees for services provided to seniors.
Senator John McCain, an active tweeter on the subject, has proposed an amendment that would eliminate $400b in Medicare cuts to hospitals, hospices and home care providers. U.S. Seniors are clearly concerned that expanding coverage to the presently uninsured will result in reduced coverage for them. Any and all suggestions of "rationing" are being rebuffed by those who cite the bill's long-term positive impact on cutting costs.
Another amendment has been introduced that would cover expanded preventive services for women, clearly designed to quell fears prompted by the recent recommendation that mammograms could begin for most at age 50.
The good news here seems obvious, but the bad news? The bill's already shaky financial footing is beginning to feel even more shaky.
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