THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 30, 1995 TAG: 9504280011
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
Senators Dole and Packwood are proposing further reductions in Medicare that would drastically increase out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare beneficiaries, at least $2,000 over the next five years. House of Representative leaders are proposing similar legislation.
Such drastic reductions would affect the lifestyles of the 40 million beneficiaries of all ages who depend upon Medicare for their basic health coverage.
Doesn't Congress realize that all health-care costs are rising and that only through systemwide cost containment - private and public - can the deficit be reduced?
We need to slow the explosive growth in health-care spending, eliminate cost shifting, assure that consumers can afford the costs and assure fair reimbursement to providers.
Doctors, hospitals, drug manufacturers and Medicare recipients must all work together to contain Medicare costs over time. Congress must eliminate those health providers and individuals who abuse the system for personal gain, which costs taxpayers billions.
Ultimately, Congress must consider reducing health-care costs across the board, because Medicare cannot and should not bear the burden alone.
JAMES K. RAMBORGER
Virginia Beach, April 16, 1995 by CNB