Proposal A bipartisan group of conservative Democrats and moderate Republicans called the Blue Dogs are working on an alternative balanced budget plan. Overview Balances the budget based on CBO numbers by 2002. Balances the budget without using the Social Security Trust Fund by 2005. Includes CPI adjustments. Eligibility Maintains current mandatory and optional categories of eligibility.
Benefits Retains current federal minimum benefits package for all beneficiaries.
Retains requirement that all benefits offered by a state be adequate to achieve their purpose and be offered uniformly within groups and across the state. Flexibility States will be allowed to pursue managed care without waivers so long as the beneficiary is given a choice of two managed care plans. States will be allowed to provide home and community-based care without waivers. States may impose co-payments scaled to income and family size. Lack of Flexibility Boren amendment retained.