Budget chief contradicts Obama on Medicare costs

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By ERICA WERNER (AP) – 15 hours ago

WASHINGTON — Congress' chief budget officer is contradicting President
Barack Obama's oft-stated claim that seniors wouldn't see their
Medicare benefits cut under a health care overhaul.

The head of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, Douglas
Elmendorf, told senators Tuesday that seniors in Medicare's managed
care plans would see reduced benefits under a bill in the Finance
Committee.

The bill would cut payments to the Medicare Advantage plans by more
than $100 billion over 10 years.

Elmendorf said the changes would reduce the extra benefits that would
be made available to beneficiaries.

Critics say the plans are overpaid, while supporters say they work well.

Obama says cuts to Medicare providers won't reduce seniors' benefits.

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