Republicans are panicking over $95B while ignoring a $1T healthcare scam
Republicans’ most recent fast-tracked government spending bill, informally known as “Reconciliation 3.0,” is facing an uphill battle in Congress. The Senate GOP likely will not pass the bill before August recess, with dissenting Republican voices claiming the $95 billion price tag is too expensive for taxpayers.
TL;DR
- Republicans' $95 billion "Reconciliation 3.0" spending bill is struggling to gain traction in Congress.
- Reforms to Medicare and Medicare Advantage could generate over $1 trillion in savings, offsetting the bill's cost.
- Site-neutral payments in traditional Medicare could save nearly $175 billion by paying the same for services regardless of setting.
- Medicare Advantage insurers inflate reimbursements through "upcoding" of patient diagnoses, costing taxpayers billions annually.
- Reforming these healthcare payment systems is politically salient and appeals to independent voters concerned about healthcare costs and fraud.
- Republicans can amend the current reconciliation bill with provisions from the "Same Care, Lower Cost Act" and the "No UPCODE Act" to enact these reforms.