The House voted 406-18 to maintain the Medicare Part B premium of $96.40 in 2010. Modern Healthcare explains that
Because of the recession, next year's Social Security cost-of-living adjustment is expected to be zero, and checks will not increase, meaning that 73% of enrollees under the “hold harmless” policy will not see a hike in their Part B premiums in 2010. However, for the remaining 27%, premiums would be disproportionately increased to $110-$120 per month, unless Congress acts. Currently, the Part B premium is $96.40 per month.The bill extends this hold harmless policy to all Medicare beneficiaries. Is it any wonder that Medicare is going bankrupt?
The current federal fiscal year ends a week from today, and none of the FY 2010 appropriations bills have been enacted yet. Federal Times reports that the House may consider a continuing resolution tomorrow that will keep the federal government funded through October 30.
The Senate also must approve this resolution, which is being included in a Congressional appropriations bill. The Politico supplies details on the legislative maneuvering.Among the measures included in the CR:• The Postal Service’s scheduled Sept. 30 payment to its retirees’ health fund would be reduced from $5.4 billion to $1.4 billion. The Postal Service asked Congress for relief from the payment on grounds that it faces a $7 billion deficit this year and cannot afford the full payment.
• Multiple programs set to expire Sept. 30 would be extended. These include the Homeland Security Department’s controversial E-Verify program, which informs companies whether their employees are legally allowed to work in the United States.
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