Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Paul Ryan (R-WI) proposed shifting Medicare to a fixed contribution benefit for senior citizens. The plan is based on the same foundation as the City of San Angelo's fixing their contribution toward employee/retiree health insurance.
Should the Wyden-Ryan plan pass, will Uncle Sam also pass on draconian premium increases in bad years, while taking the lion's share of savings in good years? That's what COSA did in 2011 and plans for 2012.
I expect San Angelo to eventually dump their health insurance benefit, as most employers may. Senator Ron Wyden offered pioneering proposals in this arena long ago. Union leader Andy Stern said in 2006, employer sponsored health insurance is dead and not coming back. A bipartisan team would be needed to make this a reality.
The race to the lowest global common denominator on worker pay/benefits, including health care and retirement, continues. Exempt are campaign donations and executive pay. Gorging must continue at the campaign money trough.
No comments:
Post a Comment