Republican U.S. Sens. Richard Burr and Tom Coburn on Thursday unveiled their plan for fixing Medicare, the government-run health care program for seniors that faces financial challenges in the future.
The plan would offer seniors, starting in 2016, the choice to stick with the government-run fee-for-service program, or choose health insurance policies offered by private companies that would bid for the right to participate in the Medicare program.
It also proposes a broad range of other cost-saving measures.
"We made a promise to our seniors that Medicare will be there when they need it most, but the program as it currently stands is broken," Burr said in a statement. "We have a moral obligation to our parents, children, and all Americans to take steps now to save Medicare. The Medicare program in its current form is unsustainable, and we have an obligation and opportunity to improve it for our nation's seniors within the next few years."
The Seniors' Choice Act would, according to Burr:
Provide a maximum-out-of-pocket protection so that a senior would not have to pay more than $7,500 per year in medical expenses.
Would increase cost-sharing for wealthier citizens so that the maximum-out-pocket expenses for a couple making $170,000 to $214,000 per year would be $12,500.
Require millionaires on Medicare to pay full premiums.
Gradually raise the age of eligibility for participating in Medicare by two months for each year until age 67, starting with people born in 1949.
Gradually increase the premiums on Medicare by an average of 3 percent each year beginning in 2013 so that a 9 percent increase is accomplished by 2013.
Malone files for House
Wake County school board member Chris Malone filed for a state House seat Thursday, assuring a GOP primary in the 35th House District in eastern Wake County.
Malone will face Duane Cutlip, a small businessman from Wendell who twice ran unsuccessfully for the House.
"Out-of-control spending by governments, growing debt and deficits, higher taxes, more regulation and government intrusion in our business and personal lives have led to weak economies, slow growth and a decline in our living standards," Malone said. "With fewer jobs being created and no growth in real wages, I see less opportunity and less liberty. On top of these challenges, our traditional values remain under attack."
Cutlip appears to have substantial backing. His steering committee includes former Wake County GOP Chairman Claude Pope Jr., state Rep. Marilyn Avila, and Phil Matthews, vice chairman of the Wake County commissioners.
Price in Fayetteville
Democratic Congressman David Price will open his first campaign headquarters in Fayetteville on Saturday.
Fayetteville has been made part of the new 4th Congressional District under the plan drawn up last year by the GOP-controlled legislature. The opening is planned for 3 p.m. at 849-D Elms St. in the Eutaw shopping center.
