(AP)—A think tank allied with the White House is releasing a plan for Medicare cuts—hoping to stave off even bigger health care reductions in upcoming budget talks with Congress.
Due out Wednesday, the proposal from the Center for American Progress calls for savings of $385 billion over 10 years. President Barack Obama's health care law and the Medicaid program for the poor are largely spared.
Instead, the plan targets Medicare service providers, from the drug industry to hospitals.
Higher-income Medicare recipients would face increased monthly premiums for outpatient and prescription coverage. After taxes, health care costs are probably the thorniest issue facing policymakers looking for a way to avoid the fiscal cliff, a combination of tax increases and spending cuts looming Jan. 1 if compromise fails.
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