The Medicare Cost Cutting: While System Design Is A Political Football, New Models For Management Of Consumers With Chronic Conditions Gain Steam

The Medicare Cost Cutting: While System Design Is A Political Football, New Models For Management Of Consumers With Chronic Conditions Gain Steam
What to do with Medicare costs? Medicare spending grew 6.2% to $554.3 billion in 2011, or 21% of total national health expenditures (NHE) (see NHE Fact Sheet). For obvious reasons, Medicare is, with Social Security, often referred to as a "third rail" in American politics – essentially an untouchable topic.

That said, the debate about Medicare redesign is ongoing. Remember in 2011 when Democrat Ron Wyden and Republican Paul Ryan floated their proposal to add private plans . . .