The Showdown

It's finally over; at least for another 18 months when we will go through this same ridiculous process because we cannot seem to get congress to actually fix the problem.

The Medicare reform bill effectively became law after the Senate voted 70-26 and the House voted 383-41 to override a presidential veto of the bill

Both chambers of Congress acted quickly to overturn President Bush's rejection of the bill so the 10.6% cut to physician payments will not take effect.

Many democrats are using the opportunity to posture over this issue when in actuality they are just as much to blame for the problem getting to this showdown.

The White House, on the other hand, said the legislation is “fiscally irresponsible,” because it would take choices away from American seniors by cutting the Medicare Advantage program.

Humana already is paid more per individual Medicare advantage recipient than the traditional Medicare patient and their stocks and CEO salaries certainly have not been adversely affected these past few years.

I would like to see all of the financial records from the congressman and president and see how many own Humana and other insurance and pharmaceutical stocks. How many lobbyists does Humana have?

Now all we have to do is wait for CMS to release payment for the past 2-3 weeks of work. Maybe by next month we will have our first check; but I’m not holding my breath.