After House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., decreed that the GOP planned on cutting Medicare spending next year, several Senate Republicans have come out against the proposal, the Washington Post reports.
Here's what you should know:
1. Republicans are in the midst of passing tax reform. Legislators haven't identified what will be top priority after/if they pass tax reform. President Donald Trump suggested Congress attempt to reform anti-poverty programs or repeal the ACA as two such directions.
2. In the wake of Mr. Ryan's comments, the Post interviewed 12 Republican senators and said, "many Republicans sounded at best wary of the prospect of taking on the popular health-care program."
3. All 12 interviewed legislators admitted Medicare's spending had to be curtailed, but said the task would face "steep political obstacles."
4. Several legislators believe Republicans will attempt to pass an infrastructure and transportation bill after tax reform, instead of attempting to pass healthcare legislation again.
5. On the contrary, six senators are in support of passing welfare reform. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said, "We all know what we have to do. We just have to do it."
6. During his campaign President Trump promised not to touch Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. Mr. Ryan has had a series of talks with President Trump to attempt to change his mind.
7. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., is against such reform and is cautious to approach the topic in an election year. The health programs enjoy bipartisan support from Americans and are widely approved of.
More articles on coding, billing and collections:
7 trends in the healthcare revenue cycle management market
10 states with the highest HMO enrollment
Creating a competitive edge at your facility: The patient experience