President Barack Obama claims he will save Medicare by reducing payments to hospitals and providers by over $700 billion. How can cutting payments save Medicare? Any further reductions will probably eliminate health care for seniors. As a senior, I am shocked by what little Medicare allows hospitals and providers. Any further reduction in payments, who will be able to care for us?

For a recent series of eight blood tests, Medicare only allowed the provider $57.99, which I doubt even pays the hourly costs of the several professionals involved in the tests. How about a total of $21.13 for an EKG. Wow! And President Obama thinks he can save Medicare by reducing payments more. Maybe because few providers will accept Medicare patients.

 

Rick Bremner

Austin