WASHINGTON — Congressional officials say a bipartisan group of senators has tentatively agreed on a plan to squeeze an additional $35 billion out of Medicare over a decade and larger sums in the years beyond.
Such a plan would be a step toward meeting President Barack Obama’s goal of curbing the rise in health care spending. There was no immediate estimate on the longer-term effects of the provision. It was the topic of exhaustive discussion Tuesday among three Democrats and three Republicans groping for a compromise on health care legislation. Congressional officials spoke on condition of anonymity and were not authorized to disclose details.
Movement has been blocked by a group of conservative-to- moderate Democrats seeking to exempt additional businesses from a requirement to offer insurance under the bill.
The White House and Democratic leaders originally set deadlines for votes for this week. It appears the earliest that will happen is September. The Associated Press
