Obama budget sets Medicare savings, hospitals seek reprieve

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Obama budget sets Medicare savings, hospitals seek reprieve

By David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's budget plan for 2015 would save $402 billion from the Medicare and Medicaid government healthcare programs for the elderly and poor over the next 10 years, primarily due to reduced reimbursement to healthcare providers and drugmakers. A White House budget proposal for the fiscal year beginning October 1, released on Tuesday, would save more than $350 billion by pursuing a familiar menu of options that range from increased drug rebates to more efficient post-acute care, reduced hospital admissions and new means testing for Medicare. But the blueprint does set out administration priorities on issues that could loom large in November's congressional elections, including a long-standing policy to avoid major structural changes for Medicare. Medicare and Medicaid are expected to remain drivers of federal debt, but administration officials believe the programs are best sustained through more moderate reforms.

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