Time to stop tinkering and start fundamental restructuring. Your AMA has the plan.
Fundamental change is essential.
Without it, the Part A trust fund that pays hospitalization costs will be bankrupt by 2002. Both political parties are proposing major reimbursement cuts as part of the drive to balance the federal budget. House Speaker Newt Gingrich earlier this year challenged the AMA to develop a comprehensive plan that would enable Medicare to meet its promise to America's elderly and disabled. That individual responsibility, expanded incentives and reduced administrative costs will produce savings for most patients while shoring up Medicare's financial structure. That Medicare beneficiaries are entitled to greater choice of how and where they receive care and to ownership of and responsibility for their Medicare entitlement.