House passes bill stopping Medicare premium hikes

[question everything]

Source: AP

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House voted overwhelmingly Thursday to eliminate monthly premium increases for millions of Medicare patients next year.

It voted 406 to 18 to send the bill to the Senate, which is expected to act soon. Lawmakers said older Americans shouldn't have to pay higher Medicare Part B premiums because they are not expected to get a cost of living increase from Social Security.

The vast majority of Medicare recipients already are exempt from Part B premium increases because of a hold-harmless provision that kicks in when there is no increase in Social Security.

Still, several million would face monthly premium increases of $8 to $23, without congressional action. The standard monthly premium is $96.40 this year.



Read more: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/House-passes-bill-stopping-apf-1528434475.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=2&asset=&ccode=

[onehandle]

1. And Europe laughs. nt

[MNDemNY]

2. How are they paying for this??

[dmr]

3. They're saving money by not giving a Social Security increase

for the first time in a very long, long time.

This legislation is just covering their butts.

[MNDemNY]

4. n

[No Elephants]

5. Could be worse, but that's all I can say.

No cost of living increase for the disabled and/or elderly, but Congressional salaries will increase next year.

*spits*

Guess they need it more than someone in a wheelchair trying to live on $800 a month, while food prices increase, even during a "recession."

Will their health insurance premiums increase next year, or only their salaries?

Still, it could be worse. They could increase the premium, too.

More and more, we have to look to the House and think about primaries for the Senate.