The AP (12/11, Werner) reports that Senate Democrats "are considering changing a proposed expansion of Medicare to address complaints from doctors and hospitals and defray costs for consumers, officials said Thursday, two days after party leaders hailed it as part of a breakthrough for healthcare." Under the plan, "uninsured individuals ages 55 to 64 could purchase coverage under Medicare." But the American Hospital Association and American Medical Association "have both criticized the proposed Medicare expansion since it was announced Tuesday night, saying the program pays healthcare providers less than private insurance companies, and warning against increasing the number of patients."

        Senate plan would include hefty premiums. The New York Times (12/11, A31, Herszenhorn, Pear) reports that Senate Democrats "have provided few details about their latest healthcare proposal, but this much seems clear: Anyone who wants to buy the same health benefits as members of Congress, or to buy coverage through Medicare, should be prepared to fork over a large chunk of cash." Congressional Budget Office data shows "a family of four earning $54,000 in 2016, when the health legislation is fully in effect, would be eligible for a subsidy of $10,100 to help defray the cost of insurance under the health legislation being debated by the Senate." One of the "most popular federal plans, a nationwide Blue Cross and Blue Shield policy, is projected to cost more than $20,000," which would "leave the family earning $54,000...with monthly premium costs of more than $825."

        Senate Democrats wait for CBO score for impact of Medicare expansion plan. Roll Call (12/11, Drucker, subscription required) reports Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's (D-NV) "race to pass a healthcare bill by Christmas is on hold while the Congressional Budget Office analyzes a compromise proposal that could break an impasse among Democrats over the public insurance option." Talks "on the single-biggest issue blocking Democratic unity and passage of the bill -- the divide over the public insurance option -- subsided as the Conference waited to hear from CBO on the cost of a potential compromise negotiated by a group of 10 liberal and moderate Senators." McClatchy (12/11, Lightman) and Politico (12/11, Brown) also cover the story.

        Advantages, disadvantages of Medicare expansion discussed. A Time (12/11, Pickert) article discusses the recent Senate proposal to expand Medicare coverage to Americans aged 55-64. The piece notes some possible advantages and disadvantages to implementing such a policy. For instance, "expanding Medicare eligibility" to 4.5 million people 55-64 could mean that "they would likely be healthier by the time they aged into standard Medicare at 65." Ultimately, this would reduce Medicare costs. In addition, "premiums for other Americans could drop," and more workers could afford to retire earlier without fear of lacking health coverage. Yet, physicians "and hospitals could see incomes and revenues drop," due to Medicare's lower reimbursement rates. And, "the perception of Medicare could change." Currently, it "is hugely popular." But, compared to exchange plans proposed in the overhaul bill, Medicare has "high hospital co-pays and no limits on out-of-pocket expenses."

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