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Health care reform continues to evolve in America and many Americans wonder how the reform will affect Medicaid and Medicare services. Medicaid and Medicare services are U.S. government programs that provide health care provisions for Americans. These programs have been in effect for decades and cover most people over 65 or those that qualify due to a long term disability. Medicaid specifically covers low-income individuals who have exhausted their Medicare benefits. Each states sets up its own specific guidelines for acceptance and program provisions. Americans are worried that the programs will be subject to reform cuts so that Washington can help to balance its budget. President Barack Obama is currently in the process of unveiling the 2012 spending blueprint that pledges almost $1.1 trillion in spending cuts and tax increases. This, paired with the letters sent by Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, is causing anxiety to spread among the ranks of those receiving Medicare and Medicaid benefits. Medicaid Part D beneficiaries are already dealing with the rising costs of medication and thus more program cuts would be financially detrimental to many Americans. The letter sent by Sebelius reminds state governors that they have the power to trim state programs such as Medicaid. Specifically, Ms. Sebelius stated to governors, "I know you are struggling with your budgets while still providing critical health care services to those who need it most. In light of budget circumstances, we are stepping up our efforts to help you identify cost drivers in the Medicaid program and provide you with new tools and resources to achieve short-term savings and longer term sustainability." Many Republicans want to take government spending levels back to 2008 levels and the President’s own deficit commission urged an attack on the biggest causes of the deficits – spending on the benefit programs Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Author: Stephen Johnson
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