The Nuts and Bolts of Medicare Premium Support Proposals

In April 2011, as part of its 2012 budget resolution, the U.S. House included a proposal to reduce Medicare spending by transforming the program into a system sometimes called "premium support" or vouchers.  Such an approach also has been a central element of other proposals by national leaders seeking to reduce the federal deficit and national debt.   This Kaiser Family Foundation brief reviews the evolution of the premium support concept, examines key policy decisions and issues that would affect its impact, and considers the implications for both Medicare and beneficiaries' out-of-pocket spending.  It looks at several key issues, including…

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