The “Path to Prosperity,” would end the Medicare and Medicaid system as they currently operate.

It is unclear whether Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) will be able to come to an agreement regarding the federal budget for the rest of this fiscal year.   The House has offered a short-term, one week continuing resolution with $12 billion in cuts from fiscal year 2010 funding levels for the coming week.  The Senate has countered with a proposal for a one week continuing resolution at the current funding levels.  The President is not encouraging these short-term solutions and is pressing for a long-term agreement.  We are monitoring the budget negotiations, and will update you with any news.

Earlier this week, Paul Ryan, Chairman of the House Budget Committee, released a proposal for fiscal year 2012.  His proposal, referred to as the "Path to Prosperity," would end the Medicare and Medicaid system as they currently operate.  Instead, Medicare benefits would shift to a premium support model and federal funding for Medicaid would be converted to a block grant system. 

The Center for Medicare Advocacy has prepared an excellent analysis of the proposal, which you can find HERE.

As we learn more about the 2011 budget, and the fiscal year 2012 budget proposal, we will inform you on the implications for services for older adults and individuals with disabilities.