One of the GOP talking points that HIR really doesnt cut the deficit as there is still the DocFix that Dems need to pass.
Media Matters notes how the MSM falsely bought it
They explain how the "Doc Fix" is a blunder of the GOP making that is irrelevant of HIR
In 1997, Republicans passed the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate into law. The provision created a simple equation meant to hold down Medicare costs and cut doctor payments when they rose. But the provision was passed when Medicare's costs were uncommonly low. Suddenly, SGR was forcing huge cuts rather than the modest adjustments that had been intended. So legislators began voting to delay implementation rather than cut doctor payments.
The first delay was passed in 2003, under Republicans. Then again in 2005, also under Republicans. Then in 2006, under Republicans. Then in 2007 and 2008, under Democrats. For those keeping count at home, this is a policy in a Republican bill that Republicans delayed three times and Democrats delayed twice. What's needed is to reform the system so we stop delaying it. And we will need to do that -- and this is important -- whether or not health-care reform passes.
Democrats & Republicans know that this gingrich-gimmick, to make future deficits look smaller, will have to be fixed.
But McCain already indicated that they will bring it up again when Dems bring up the Doc Fix for a vote, and will say that it's cost contradicts our deficit reducing Health bill
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So here is my idea for the Doc Fix Reconcilliation bill
Make sure to have the $250B cost of the Doc Fix be fully paid, by introducing a strong deficit-busting Public Option or Medicare buy in.
Bernie Sanders says Reid promised him he will have a chance to reintroduce the Public Option again in the comming months, let's hand it over to the GOP by showing that the Doc Fix will not add to the deficit as it will be fully offset.