Bush proposes linking Medicare drug benefit to income

"President Bush proposed legislation on Friday to increase prescription drug premiums for higher-income Medicare beneficiaries." (Source: "Bush Proposes Linking the Medicare Drug Premium to Beneficiaries' Income," NY Times, Feb. 16, 2008.) "The proposal, which the administration said would generate $3.2 billion of additional revenue for Medicare over five years, was part of a broader package that is intended to rein in Medicare costs while advancing the Republican vision of a larger private role in the health care system." While it appears unlikely the Democratic Congress will approve the legislation, Congressional official acknowledge that with Medicare's hospital insurance trust fund expected to run out of money in 11 years, "the nation will eventually need to consider such proposals."