President Barack Obama addresses a joint session of Congress on his embattled healthcare reform plan.
But all Medicare beneficiaries would benefit from better protection against catastrophic costs. Overall, the idea behind the proposal is to discourage people from going to the doctor when they don't have to.
Upper-income seniors would also be affected by another part of the plan. Currently, seniors making at least $85,000 for an individual and $170,000 for a couple pay higher monthly premiums for outpatient and prescription coverage. The plan would gradually increase the share of seniors facing higher premiums until it comprises the top 10 percent of beneficiaries. It would also boost those premiums by 15 percent.
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The center is also proposing to repeal a payment formula for doctors that has failed to contain costs, replacing it with an approach that rewards primary and preventive care while squeezing specialists. Unless Congress acts, doctors will face a nearly 30 percent cut in Medicare payments on Jan. 1.
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Center for American Progress plan: http://tinyurl.com/aqjkavp
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