House Budget leader Ryan touts "Roadmap" to Medicare and Medicaid Reform to help balance budget

After years of being a back-burner issue, entitlement reform is now front page news. Medicare and Medicaid are both on unsustainable paths and must be reformed and/or modified.  The President's Fiscal commission discussed cost savings in the programs without making very specific recommendations.

 

Now, Paul Ryan, the young Republican House budget leader has come with a more specific proposal.

For Medicare, he would phase out the public program and ultimately create something similar to the Health Care Reform legislation - letting consumers choose among private Medicare Insurers through exchanges by giving Americans a set dollar amount (via tax credits) to buy care. For the Medicaid long-term care and disability plan, there is a proposed Block Grant to each state so they can use the money in the way that works with their state best.

 

Critics are concerned with the increased out of pocket costs that many people may have and the fact medical professionals may face lower payment rates which may lead to rationed care.

Here is proposal website  http://www.roadmap.republicans.budget.house.gov/

 

Also, here is an article from McKnight's long-term care news.

House Budget leader Ryan touts Medicare reform in 2012 proposal - McKnight's Long Term Care News.

What to you think about the proposal? How will it affect LTC? Please comment below!