The House voted overwhelmingly today to eliminate monthly premium increases for millions of Medicare patients next year.
It voted 406 to 18 to send the bill to the Senate, which is expected to act soon. Lawmakers said older Americans shouldn’t have to pay higher Medicare Part B premiums because they are not expected to get a cost of living increase from Social Security.
The vast majority of Medicare recipients already are exempt from Part B premium increases because of a hold-harmless provision that kicks in when there is no increase in Social Security.
Still, several million would face monthly premium increases of $8 to $23, without congressional action. The standard monthly premium is $96.40 this year.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland, in a rare break with fellow Democrats, voted against the measure, saying it would mainly help wealthy Medicare recipients.
About 42 million seniors and people with disabilities are enrolled in Medicare Part B, which provides coverage for doctor’s visits. By law, about three-fourths are exempt from premium increases when there is no increase in Social Security payments.
The Social Security Administration projects no cost-of-living increases for the next two years because the adjustments are pegged to inflation, which has been negative this year, largely because energy prices are below 2008 levels. (AP)
