Bean among minority on Medicare vote
WASHINGTON - No one covered by Medicare, regardless of income, would see their monthly premiums increase next year under legislation the U.S. House approved Thursday.
The House voted 406 to 18 to eliminate premium increases of $8 to $23 a month for a select group of people covered by Medicare Part B, which provides coverage for doctor's visits. The proposal now goes to the Senate, where the Finance Committee is expected to take it up soon, though no hearings were scheduled.
Supporters 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. Most seniors have their Medicare premiums deducted from their Social Security payments. If Medicare premiums increase but the cost of living adjustments don't keep pace, the result is less income.
Under existing law, the vast majority of Medicare recipients already are exempt from Part B premium increases under such circumstances. The current premium is $96.40.
The vote was overwhelming but there were those who disagreed, including one suburban lawmaker. Barrington Democrat Melissa Bean voted against the proposal, saying Congress caved to special interests and the situation points to the need to fix the greater flaws in current health care when costs can go up more than inflation.
"My vote was the fiscally responsible vote," she said.
Bean pointed out that Medicare recipients got a one-time $250 stimulus check and a 5.8 percent cost of living adjustment for 2009, amounts that would more than cover any premium increases.
Most of the 11 million or so patients who are not exempt from premium increases are low-income people who also qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance program for the poor, pays their Medicare premiums, meaning states would bear some of the costs.
Among the rest who are not exempt, a little more than 2 million are high-income seniors -- singles making more than $85,000 a year and couples making more than $170,000. Also, about 1.3 million new enrollees would not be exempt.
• Daily Herald Sr. State Government Editor John Patterson contributed to this report.