Republicans Admit that Medicare Vouchers Unlikely to Work

A proposed Republican plan to introduce vouchers for Medicare services is likely to be shelved according to party leaders speaking yesterday. It is just one of many items that will be thrust to the background as Republicans and Democrats compromise on a plan that will both allow more government borrowing and create large cuts in government spending. Both sides of the aisle have noted that there is likely to be an agreement soon, and even Vice President Biden noted that there had been progress.

According to Biden, spending cuts, in tandem with the ability to borrow more money are "practically and politically connected." As part of the compromise that is likely coming, House Republicans noted that they are open to alternative ideas with regard to the Medicare voucher plan. Also contributing to that move by the GOP is the fact that older voters seem to be pretty in love with their expensive health insurance. Michigan Representative Dave Camp, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, noting that he supported the voucher program, but wasn’t willing to fight for something that has little chance to pass.

Noted Camp, "I’m not interested in laying down more markers. I’m interested in solutions. Let’s figure out where there is common ground and let’s get there as soon as we can." House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, noted of the forthcoming compromise between the parties, "Let me make this clear. When it comes to increasing the debt limit and the need to have reductions in spending, nothing is off the table except raising taxes." If that’s not a prelude to an agreement, then pretty much nothing is.
By Buzzle Staff and Agencies