Rand Paul, MD, the GOP candidate for the U.S. Senator from Kentucky, said Medicaid costs need to be cut back or there will be "intergenerational warfare" because he says it will be younger Americans who have to foot the bill, according to a report by the Lexington Herald-Leader.
One proposed solution to cutting future Medicaid costs is to create stricter eligibility requirements in the future, which means that younger generations could find it more difficult to receive the funding if these measures are implemented.
"When we have a government program to help those who are in need or who have unfortunate problems, let's help those truly in need," Dr. Paul, an ophthalmologist, said. What he argued as lenient eligibility standards in Medicaid, he added, have led to "intergenerational welfare." Dr. Paul said the country needs a balanced budget amendment and must better control spending on federal entitlement programs.
Meanwhile, the Hill reported that on Fox News Sunday, Dr. Paul said, "You don't do anything to people who are currently receiving Medicare or Social Security. [But] for the younger generation, there will be — have to [be] — changes in eligibility."
He said changes shouldn't be limited to eligibility but should also focus on creating higher deductibles and premiums for Medicare beneficiaries. He added, "All younger people — if they're honest and will admit to it and have an adult discussion and not demagogue the issue — will admit that younger people will have to have different rules," he said.
Read the Hill report on Rand Paul.
Read Lexington Herald-Leader on Ron Paul.
Read more coverage on the November elections:
- Impact of November Elections on ASCs: Q&A With Andrew Hayek of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Advocacy Committee
- What a Big GOP Victory in November Might Mean for Healthcare Reform
- New Poll Shows Support Slipping Again For Healthcare Reform Law
One proposed solution to cutting future Medicaid costs is to create stricter eligibility requirements in the future, which means that younger generations could find it more difficult to receive the funding if these measures are implemented.
"When we have a government program to help those who are in need or who have unfortunate problems, let's help those truly in need," Dr. Paul, an ophthalmologist, said. What he argued as lenient eligibility standards in Medicaid, he added, have led to "intergenerational welfare." Dr. Paul said the country needs a balanced budget amendment and must better control spending on federal entitlement programs.
Meanwhile, the Hill reported that on Fox News Sunday, Dr. Paul said, "You don't do anything to people who are currently receiving Medicare or Social Security. [But] for the younger generation, there will be — have to [be] — changes in eligibility."
He said changes shouldn't be limited to eligibility but should also focus on creating higher deductibles and premiums for Medicare beneficiaries. He added, "All younger people — if they're honest and will admit to it and have an adult discussion and not demagogue the issue — will admit that younger people will have to have different rules," he said.
Read the Hill report on Rand Paul.
Read Lexington Herald-Leader on Ron Paul.
Read more coverage on the November elections:
- Impact of November Elections on ASCs: Q&A With Andrew Hayek of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Advocacy Committee
- What a Big GOP Victory in November Might Mean for Healthcare Reform
- New Poll Shows Support Slipping Again For Healthcare Reform Law